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^ 


This  re-issue  of  the  1859  History  of  Randolph  County, 
Illinois,  by  E.  J.  Montague,  is  a  contribution  of  the  Ran- 
dolph County  Historical  Society  to  the  celebration  of  the 
American  Revolution  Bicentennial,  the  200th  Birthday 
anniversary  of  the  United  States  of  America — 1776-1976. 

Randolph  County,  "Where  Illinois  Began,"  the  West- 
ern Frontier  during  the  American  Revolutionary  War,  is 
rich  in  history.  To  have  had  five  flags  fly  over  her  lands 
— French,  British,  Commonwealth  of  Virginia,  the  United 
States  and  finally  the  State  of  Illinois  bespeaks  of  her 
importance  and  her  play  in  United  States  history. 

In  grateful   acknowledgement   to   the    1968    Randolph 

County  Board  of  Commissioners  and  the  members  of  the 

Randolph   County    Historical   Society,   we   give  you   this 

pportunity  to  gather  insight  on  that  which  was — and  is — 

Randolph  County,  Illinois. 


First  Edition  —  Book   No. 


A.   DIRECTORY, 

BUSINESS  MIRROR, 

AND 

HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

OF 

RANDOLPH  COUNTY: 


CONTAINING    THE    NAME,    RESIDENCE,   AND    OCCUPATION    OP   EVERY    CITI- 
ZEN   OF   THE   COUNTY ;    WITH   A    CONDENSED    SKETCH    OF    KASEASKIA 
AND    PRAIRIE    DU     ROCHER,    COMMENCING    WITH     THEIR    INDIAN 
HISTORY:      A    SKETCH    OF    CHESTER,    8PARTA,  RED   BUD,  LIB- 
ERTY,    8TEELESVILLE,     EDEN,    EVANSVILLE,    COULTEB- 
VILLE,    LAFAYETTE,    PRESTON,    FLORENCE,    8HILOB 
HILL,    RANDOLPH    AND    CAMPTOWN.      ALSO, 

A    CONDENSED    SKETCH    OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY. 

fROM   THK  TIME  OF  ITS  ORGANIZATION: 

WITH  BRIEF  NQTES  OF  THE  PIONEER  SETTLERS. 

By   E.    J.   MONTAGUE. 


ALTON,  ILL.: 

COURIER   STEAM    BOOK   AND   JOB    PRINTING    HOUSE. 

1859. 


A  Reproduction  by  Unigraphic,  Inc. 

1401  North  Fares  Avenue 

Evansville,  Indiana  47711 

Nineteen   Hundred   Seventy  Four 


1114 


NOTICE. 


The  matter  which  this  work  contains  suggests  its  object,  and 
demonstrates  its  value  and  necessity. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  to  write  history — only  an  effort  to 
collect  the  materials  and  place  them  in  preservation,  to  be  used 
by  sonje  one  who  shall  write  that  history  at  some  future  day. 
The  pioneers,  from  whom  the  history  must  be  gathered,  *re  last 
passing  away;  and  if  the  brief  sketches  here  prepared  will,  pre- 
serve their  memory  and  the  events  iu  which  they  figured,  until 
they  shall  be  placed  in  some  more  enduring  form,  the  object  of 
the  writer  will  have  been  fully  attained. 

The  difficulty  which  has  been  experienced  in  obtaining  defi- 
nite information  respecting  those  early  settlers,  leads  the  writer 
to  believe  that  slight  inaccuracies  may  have  occurred, -and  some 
omissions  made,  but  these  were  unavoidable. 

The  imperfect  sources  from  which-  the  names,  residences,  and 
occupation  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  have  been  obliged 
to  be  gathered,  have  rendered  slight  omissions  probable.  Such 
imperfections  necessarily  occur  in  the  preparation  of  such  a  work 
for  the  first  time. 


SKETCHES  OF  KASKASKIA. 


For  many  years  before  Kaskaskia  was!  known  to  the 
white  man,  it  was  an  Indian  village,  around  which  the 
crude  natives  hunted  and  fished,  boiled  their  corn  and 
venison,  smoked  the  calumet,  and  danced  to  the  guttural 
notes  of  discordant  music.  Without  a  reference,  there- 
fore, to  the  Indian  tribe  from  which  Kaskaskia  has 
taken  its  name,  a  sketch  of  the  place,  however  complete 
in  other  particulars,  would  yet  be  imperfect. 

At  the  time  when  the  first  white  adventurers  ex- 
tended their  explorations  into  Illinois,  a  confederation 
embracing  five  tribes — the  Kaskaskias,  the  Cahokias, 
the  Tammarais  (or  Tamaroas,)  the  Peorias  and  the 
Mitchigammics —  were  found  inhabiting  the  Illinois 
country,  .and  were  called  the  "Illinois  Confederacy." 

The  Kaskaskias  occupied  the  country  around  the 
village  which  bears  their  name,  and  claimed  for  their 
hunting  grounds  the  district  which  now  embraces  the 
counties  of  Eandolph,  Jackson,  Perry,  Washington,  and 
portions  of  St.  Clair  and  Monroe.  The  Cahokias  in- 
habited the  region  around  Cahokia — another  Indian 
village — whose  history  commences  and  runs  along  with 
that  of  Kaskaskia — situated  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the 
Mississippi  river,  in  St.  Clair  county,  a  little  below  a 
*] 


6  HISTORICAL    8KETCHES 

point  opposite  the  city  of  St.  Louis.  The  Tammartis 
have  left  no  traces  of  their  locality,  except  that  the 
Twelve  Mile  Prairie,  in  St.  Clair  county,  was  formerly 
called  "Prairie  Tammarais,"  which  gives  foundation  to 
the  opinion  that  that  was  the  place  of  their  residence. 
It  was  an  Indian  tradition  that  this  tribe  was  nearly 
exterminated  in  a  battle  with  the  Shawnees,  fought  on 
Six  Mile  Prairie,  in  Perry  county.  The  bones  of  the 
slain,  and  other  evidences  of  the  battle  were  to  be  seen 
there  not'  many  years  ago.  Sometime  afterward,  this 
tribe  lost  its  national  identity  and  united  with  the  Caho- 
kias.  The  Peorias  ranged  along  the  Illinois  river  in  the 
region  of  the  now  flourishing  city  of  Peoria,  and  left  the 
evidences  of  their  battles  with  other  tribes  in  that  coun- 
try, which  are  yet  visible.  The  Mitchigammies  were 
first  found  along  the  shores  of  Lake  Michigan.  But 
they  removed  in  a  few  years  afterwards,  and  settled 
about  Fort  Chartres  and  Prairie  du  Eocher.  Soon  after- 
ward they  ceased  to  exist  as  a  distinct  tribe,  and  the 
remnants  blended  with  the  Kaskaskias. 

These  tribes  were  once  numerous  and  powerful  in 
war,  ^ind  successfully  defended  their  claims  to  the  coun- 
try around  the  southern  borders  of  Lake  Michigan;  but 
a  series  of  disastrous  conflicts  with  the  doubly  savage 
Pottowatomics — a  powerful  branch  of  the  great  Cbip- 
peway  nation,  who  claimed  and  exercised  hunting  and 
fishing  dominion  over  that  vast  extent  of  country  which 
now  embraces  the  States  of  Wisconsin,  Michigan,  In- 
diana and  the  northern  portions  of  Illinois — so  reduced 
their  numbers  that  they  were  forced  southward  in  search 
of  relief  from  their  cruel  adversaries.  But  even  here 
they  were  not  secure  from  their  savage  kinsmen.  Pred- 
atory bands  of  Kickapoos  and  Shawnees  occasionally 
-engaged  them  in  war,  and  reduced  them  in  numbers. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  7 

One  by  one  these  tribes  ceased  to  exist,  and  united  with 
another,  until  finally,  in  the  year  1830,  the  whole  Con- 
federacy was  merged  into  the  Kaskaskia  tribe,  and 
known  only  as  the  "Kaskaskia  Indians." 

Thus  banded  together,  and  having  only  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty  warriors,  they  were  in  a  condition  to 
love  peace  rather  than  war,  of  which  they  had  had  more 
than  sufficient  to  satiate  the  ferocity  of  their  savage 
natures.  They  hailed  the  advent  of  the  whites  among 
them  with  joy,  and  cultivated  their  friendship  as  a 
source  of  protection  against  the  attacks  of  their  Indian 
enemies.  For  this  reason,  they  became  the  friends  of 
the  whites,  and  often  rendered  valuable  services  in  the 
capacity  of  spies  and  guides.  It  was  the  boast  of 
Ducoagne,  or  Ducogne,  their  last  chief,  that  his  tribe 
had  never  shed  the  blood  of  the  white  man. 

They  cultivated  some  corn  in  the  American  Bottom, 
which,  with  the  game  they  obtained  by  hunting,  fur- 
nished them  a  subsistence.  They  exchanged  their  furs 
with  the  French  traders  for  such  articles  of  apparel  as 
their  habits  of  life  and  tastes  demanded.  Leading  a 
listless,  indolent  life,  with  no  higher  aim  or  ambition 
than  obtaining  sufficient  food  and  raiment  to  supply  the 
wants  of  nature,  they  became  lazy,  drunken,  degraded- 
and  debauched,  and  lost  that  noble  spirit  of  dignity 
and  independence  which  pulses  in  the  veins  of  the  true 
Indian. 

In  the  year  1833,  finding  their  hunting  grounds  occu- 
pied by  the  industrious  white  man,  and  not  fitted  to  enjoy 
the  privileges  of  encroaching  civilization,  they  bade  fare- 
well to  the  land  which  had  been  the  lifetime  home  of 
themselves  and  their  fathers,  and  joinel  that  stubborn 
tide  of  emigration  which  has  borne  away  towards  the 
Pacific  Ocean  all  that  wild  race  of  men.  who  once  held 


8  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

undisputed  possession  of  the  Continent.  With  tear- 
ful eyes  and  bitter  lamentations,  they  turned  their  backs 
upon  scenes  familiar  and  dear,  and  sought  new  hunting 
grounds  towards  the  setting  sun.  The  tribe  is  now 
extinct,  but  a  few  of  the  descendants  still  live  with 
other  tribes  of  the  West.  The  common  fate  of  the 
Indian  race  is  a  source  of  saddening  reflection;  but  the 
contributions  to  Christianity,  to  science,  to  industrial  en- 
terprise, and  the  world's  material  wealth,  and  to  the 
political  elevation  of  mankind,  which  have  followed  in 
their  retreating  wake,  sufficiently  vindicate  the  usurpa- 
tion. 


DISCOVERY     AND      SETTLEMENT      OE 
KASItASKIA. 

The  precise  time  of  the  discovery  and  settlement  of 
Kaskaskia  by  the  whites  is  not  definitely  fixed,  but  the 
best  known  data  determine  it  to  have  been  in  the  year 
1686.  Exploring  parties  had  been  traversing  the  Miss- 
issippi valley  for  some  time  before  Kaskaskia  was 
marked  for  settlement.  A  brief  reference,  therefore,  to 
these  successive  expeditions  becomes  necessary  in  com- 
pleting the  chain  of  events  which  gave  an  origin  to  Kas- 
kaskia. 

The  romantic  adventures  of  James  Marquette,  the 
Jesuit  Missionary,  and  Chevalier  Joliet,  a  merchant 
of  Quebec,  are  familiar  to  the  readers  of  Western  his- 
tory. These  two  indefatigable  and  fearless  men  were  the 
pioneers  of  those  explorations  which  opened  the  Wes- 
tern wilderness  to  the  ingress  of  a  white  population. 
Their  first  expedition  was  commenced  on  the  10th  day 
of  June,  1670.     They  started  from  Green  Bay,  accom- 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  9 

panied  by  five  others,  and  crossed  the  country  on  the 
head-waters  of  the  Fox  river  to  the  Wisconsin,  which 
Btream  they  descended  to  its  mouth,  and  floated  out 
upon  the  broad  bosom  of  the  majestic  Mississippi,  on 
the  17th  of  the  same  month.  From  the  time  the  he- 
roic adventurer,  De  Soto,  and  his  brave  followers 
liscovered  this  great  river,  in  1542,  its  mighty  current 
had  swept  along  unseen  by  the  eye  of  civilized  man, 
until  the  day  these  two  Frenchmen  entered  it  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Wisconsin  river.  They  beheld  its  gran- 
ieur  and  magnitude,  Marquette  remarks,  "with  a  joy 
[  cannot  express." 

Eesolving  at  once  to  descend  and  see  where  the  fresh, 
3lear  waters  of  this  noble  river  were  lost  in  the  ocean . 
they  lost  no  time  in  prosecuting  their  perilous  journey. 
A.s  they  passed  along,  they  noticed  the  Piasau — a  paint- 
ad  rock  standing  on  the  margin  of  the  river,  near  the 
present  city  of  Alton;  the  confluence  of  the  Missouri's 
muddy  current  with  the  pure  waters  of  the  Mississippi; 
the  Grand  Tower — a  high,  perpendicular  rock  standing 
near  the  middle  of  the  river,  about  thirty  miles  below 
the  present  city  of  Chester;  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio, 
which  they  thought  was  the  Wabash.  Finally,  readi- 
ng an  Indian  village  in  Arkansas,  where  they  found 
the  natives  savage  and  ferocious,  almost  beyond  control, 
ind  learning  it  was  yet  a  long  distance  to  the  mouth  of 
the  river,  they  determined  to  return,  and  accordingly, 
on  the  17th  of  July,  one  month  from  the  day  they  first 
3aw  the  river — they  commenced  their  homeward  jour- 
uey.  Instead  of  returning  hy  the  Wisconsin  river  as 
they  had  come,  they  ascended  the  Illinois  and  reached 
Lake  Michigan  about  the  locality  of  Chicago,  from 
whence  they  went  direct  to  Green  Bay,  at  which  place 
they  arrived  in  September. 


10  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

The  pious  and  holy  Marouex**  went  about  his  mis- 
sionary labors  with  the  Indians,  and  died  suddenly  noon 
afterwards.  Joliet  went  immediately  to  Quebec,  and 
spread  an  account  of  their  discoveries  before  the  peo- 
ple, who  become  so  electrified  by  the  thrilling  narrative 
of  their  voyage  that  the  spirit  of  adventure  rose  to 
fever  heat.  The  news  soon  reached  France,  and  pro- 
duced a  similar  excitement  there.  Impelled  by  the 
feverish  zeal  which  those  reports  created,  came  Robert 
De  La  Salle,  whoso  enthusiastic  composition  was  al- 
most melting  with  the  eagerness  of  advonturo.  Upon 
his  arrival  at  Quebec,  he  conceived  the  project  of  estab- 
lishing a  line  of  posts  from  Canada,  through  the  Illinois 
country,  and  down  the  Mississippi  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexi- 
co. Securing  the  approbation  and  influence  of  Fron- 
tinac,  then  the  Governor-General  of  Canada,  he  re- 
turned to  France,  and  laid  the  plans  of  his  enterprise 
before  Colvert,  the  King's  minister.  Meeting  a  fa- 
vorable consideration  from  the  King,  he  was  created 
a  Chevalier,  and  received  a  commission  to  return  and 
rebuild  Fort  Frontinac.  Upon  the  reconstruction  of 
the  Fort  he  labored  with  indefatigable  zeal  until  the 
Autumn  of  1C>77,  when  he  sailed  again  to  France. 

Having  fulfilled  his  mission  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
King,  he  received  an  outfit  for  a  voyage,  and  brought 
with  him  thirty-four  emigrants  to  the  New  "World, 
among  whom  was  Lieutenant  M.  Tonti,  an  Italian,  who 
became  the  devoted  friend  and  faithful  follower  of  La 
Salle  in  all  his  expeditions  and  enterprises.  During  the 
next  five  years  he  traveled  the  wilderness  almost  con- 
stant!}', around  the  Lakes,  and  from  St.  Anthony's  Falls 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  encountering  difficul- 
ties, perils  and  privations  almost  beyond  human  endur- 
ance.    In  the  autumn  of  16S3,  he  sailed  a  third  time  for 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  11 

Fiance:  The  energetic  industry  he  had  displayed  in 
prosecuting  his  adventurous  exploits,  secured  for  him  the 
cordial  approbation  of  the  King,  who  placed  under  his 
direction  a  fleet  of  four  vessels,  carrying  two  hundred 
and  eighty  emigrants  for  settlement  in  the  wild  country 
which  he  had  been  exploring.  It  was  the  intention  of 
La  Salle  to  make  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi  river; 
but,  dissensions  of  a  most  discordant  and  disastrous 
character  arising  between  *"m  and  M.  De  Beauoeu, 
the  marine  commander,  thle  fleet  drifted  slowly  and 
sluggishly  acrdss  the  ocean  kind  finally,  after  a  voyage 
of  six  month's  duration,  the^  reached  Madagarda  Bay, 
in  Texas,  having  drifted  southward  of  the  Mississippi. 
After  exploring  the  coast  for  a  feUv  months,  the  com- 
mander left  L/a  Salle  and  1/is  party  to  search  alone  for 
the  "hidden  river/'  and  returned  with  the  fleet  to 
France.  "With  hope  and  Courage  such  as  few  men  ever 
possessed,  did  La  Salle  continue  to  search  for  the  mouth 
of  the  Mississippi,  by  which  he  wished  to  return  to 
Canada.  TMsappointment"  met  him  in  every  expedition  ; 
but  his  spirit  was  a  stranger  to  despair,  and  he  contin- 
ued to  traverse  the  marshy  country  along  the  Gulf 
coast,  until  his  f^1  lowers,  less  courageous  than  himself, 
and  dying  from  fatigue  and  fever;  became  dispirited 
and  sullenly  refused  to  obey  him.  Mutiny  arose,  which 
•alone  would  have  disappointed  the  object  of  the  search; 
but  fate  had  decreed  a  more  tragic  termination  to  the 
Chevalier's  exploits.  He  was  way-laid  and  shot  dead 
by  one  of  the  chief  conspirators. 

During  the  two  years  which  La  Salle  had  been  ab- 
sent, his  lieutenant,  Tonti,  who  had  been  left  in  com- 
mand of  the  Illinois  country,  was  engaged  in  explora- 
tions, and  building  forts.  The  long  absence  of  La 
Salle,  from  whom  he  could  get  no  intelligence,  was  a 


12  HISTORICAL   SKETCHES. 

source  of  melancholy  speculation  for  Tonti.  Finally, 
hearing  a  rumor  that  La  Salle  was  in  the  West  Indies, 
he  organized  an  expedition,"  and  descended  the  Missis- 
sippi in  search  of  him;  hut,  on  reaching  the  mouth,  he 
was  compelled  to  return  without  any  tidings  of  his  long 
lost  friend.  In  making  this  voyage  he  established  sev- 
eral trading  posts,  and  the  weight  of  authority  estab- 
lishes the  opinion  that  Kaskaskia  was  one  of  them. 
The  presumption,  therefore,  is  irresistable,  that  M. 
Tonti  was  the  first  white  man  whose  foot  pressed  the 
soil  on  which  Kaskaskia  was  afterward  built.  As  it 
became  a  permanent  settlement,  its  existence  may  date 
from  that  period — 1686. 

Father  Allous,  a  companion  of  La  Salle,  and  a  de- 
voted christian  missionary,  came  to  Kaskaskia  soon 
after  the  visit  of  Tonti,  and  established  a  missionary 
station.  He  was  probably  the  first  white  man  who 
made  a  permanent  residence  in  Kaskaskia.  In  a  short 
Lime  afterwards  the  French  traders  made  their  advent 
into  the  place,  and  then  commenced  the  transition  from 
an  Indian  to  a  French  village.  This  transition,  how- 
ever, was  rather  slow  for  several  years,  as  the  French 
who  came  at  that  time  were  chiefly  traders,  whose  avo- 
cation required  them  to  be  transient  rather  than  per- 
manent inhabitants.  Probably  Kaskaskia  could  not  be 
considered  anything  more  than  a  trading  post  and 
mission  station,  before  the  year  1712.  The  mission  be- 
came a  very  flourishing  one  soon  after  it  was  estab- 
lished by  Father  Allous.  In  1690,  Father  Gravier 
took  charge  of  the  station,  and  christened  it  "The 
Village  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  of  the  Holy 
Virgin."  A  chapel  was  erected,  probably  on  the  east- 
ern side  of  the  Kaskaskia  river,  near  the  residence  of 
Mr.  Menard,  the  remains  of  which  are  still  to  be  seen. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  13 

T\he  ruins  of  another  Jesuit  chapel,  erected  just  in  the- 
rear  of  the  present  church  edifice,  are  also  visible,  but 
at  what  time  it  was  built  is  now  unknown.  A  Jesuit 
register,  commencing  in  1695,  has  been  preserved,  and 
is  now  among  the  church  papers  of  the  parish.  At 
what  particular  period  the  first  permanent  settlers  came 
to  Kaskaskia,  and  who  they  were,  is  a  matter  more  of 
conjecture  than  certainty;  no  record  of  them  having 
been  preserved.  It  is  known,  however,  that  previous 
to  the  year  1720,  a  considerable  emigration  had  arrived 
from  Canada  and  France,  by  the  way  of  New  Orleans, 
and  made  permanent  settlements.  As  to  the  names  of 
these  pioneers  there  is  also  an  uncertainty,  but  the 
most  authentic  traditions  which  the  writer  has  been 
able  to  gather,  coroborates  the  well  established  belief 
among  the  present  inhabitants  of  Kaskaskia,  that  the 
following  were  among  the  principal  ones  of  those  early 
settlers,  viz :  Bazyl  La  Chapelle,  Michael  Derouse, 
(called  St.  Pierre,)  Jean  Baptiste  St.  Gjemme  Beau- 
vais,  Baptiste  Montreal,  Boucher  De  Montbrun, 
Charles  Danje,  Francois  Charlesville,  Antoine 
Bienvenu,  LoUis  Buyat,  Alexis  Doza,  Joseph  Paget, 
Prix  Paqi,  Michael  Antoyen,  Lanolois  De  Lisle, 
La  Derroutte,  Noval,  and  some  few  others. 

Bazyl  La  Chappelle  was  among  the  first  from  Can- 
ada, and  came  to  Kaskaskia  in  company  with  eleven 
brothers,  but  he  alone  of  the  number  remained  perma- 
nently. He  left  four  sons — Antoine,  Louis,  La  Chap- 
elle and  Baptiste,  from  whom  descended  the  family 
bearing  that  name;  Louis  La  Chapelle,  now  living 
about  two  miles  south  of  the  village,  is  the  son  of  Bap- 
tiste. 

Michael  Derouse  came  also  from  Canada,  and  was 
the  progenitor  of  the  numerous  family  of  that  name 


14  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES. 

now  living  in  and  around  Kaskaskia.  This  is  the  most 
numerous  of  any  descendency  of  the  original  settlers. 
He  was  the  father  of  Michael,  Joseph,  Phillip, 
Jerome,  J)k  Bardeau,  who  became  prominent  and  in- 
fluential men  in  the  community.  Pierre  Deroise,  now 
living  in  the  vicinity  of  Kaskaskia,  at  the  age  of  GO 
years,  is  a  son  of  Joseph. 

[It  is  proper  to  explain  that  the  names  by  which  many 
of  the  French  are  known  are  those  of  the  names  of  the 
places  from  whence  they  came.  For  instance,  "Beau- 
VAis"  was  affixed  to  the  name  "St.  Gemme"  because 
that  family  came  from  the  city  of  Beauvais  in  France. 
In  many  instances  the  real  name  has  been  lost,  and  that 
of  the  town  from  which  the  person  came  substituted. 
The  Derou.se  family  came  originally  from  St.  Pierre,  in 
France,  which  accounts  for  that  affix  to  their  name. 
The  right  name  of  the  Montreal  family,  is  now  un- 
known. The  first  of  the  name  who  came  to  Canada, 
were  called  "Montrois,"  because  they  came  from 
Montrois,  and  after  they  came  to  Kaskaskia,  they  re- 
ceived the  name  of  Montreal,  for  the  reason  that  they 
came  from  Montreal,  in  Canada.  The  St.  Gemme  family 
dropped  the  affix  "  Beauvais"  after  they  came  to  Kas- 
kaskia, and  arc  now  known  by  the  original  name. 
Some  of  the  descendants  residing  in  St.  Genivieve,  Mo.. 
are  now  writing  the  name  "St.  James."] 

Jean  Baptiste  St.  Gemme  was  the  first  of  that 
family  who  located  in  Kaskaskia.  He  was  a  man  of 
some  wealth  and  became  a  conspicuous  constituent  of 
the  place.  He  lived  to  a  very  old  age,  and  died  leav- 
ing six  sons ;  Raphael,  Antoine,  Charles,  Joseph, 
Vitol,  and  Baptiste,  and  two  daughters,  one  of 
whom  married  De  Ruisseau,  and  is  the  grandmother 
of  Mrs.  J.  H.  Lucas,  of  St.  Louis.  Joseph,  the  third 
son,  died  in  early  life,  and  was  buried  in  Kaskaskia,  by 


»P  RANDOM*!!  OoUNTY.  15 

the  side  of  Uw  father  and  mother;  Raphael  became  a 
citizen  of  New  Orleans,  and  died  there;  Charles  died 
somewhere  in  Louisiana;  Antoine  moved  to  Arkansas 
where  ho  died,  at  an  advanced  age.  Vitol  and  Bap- 
tiste  were  among  the  first  French  settlers  of  St.  Gen- 
evieve, Mo.,  and  died  in  that  place,  leaving  large  fami- 
lies, some  of  whom  are  yet  living;  Mrs.  Jarrot,  of  St- 
Louis,  now  eighty  years  old,  is  the  daughter  of  Vitol 
St.  Gemme.  Baptiste  had  fourteen  children,  three  of 
whom  are  yet  living,  viz:  Augustus  St.  Gemme,  aged 
68  years;  Eleanor,  aged  GO;  and  Julia,  aged  76. 

Raphael  St.  Gemme  first  located  at  Fort  Du  Quesne, 
and  took  part  in  the  defense  of  the  Fort,  an  interesting 
account  of  which  will  he  found  in  Sparks'.  He  also 
aided  in  the  celehrated  defeat  of  Gen.  BRADDOCKon  the 
9th  of  Jul}-,  1755.  He  afterwards  came  to  Kaskaskia 
and  located  permanently.  His  family  consisted  of  one 
son,  Alexis,  and  five  daughters.  Alexis  St.  Gemme 
was  the  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Maxwell,  now  residing 
in  Kaskaskia. 

Baptiste  Montreal  came  from  Canada,  and  was 
noted  for  his  industry  and  quiet  deportment.  From 
him  sprang  the  numerous  family  hearing  his  name. 
One  of  his  grandsons  died  a  few  months  ago,  aged 
seventy-seven  years. 

Boucher  de  Montbrun  was  a  man  of  sprighuy  ac- 
tivity, and  became  very  prominent  in  Kaskaskia.  He 
married  a  Miss  Langlois,  a  lady  of  much  beauty  and 
respectability.  Some  of  his  descendants  are  now  to  be 
found  in  that  country. 

Charles  Dante  devoted  his  life  to  the  quiet  pursuit 
of  farming.  The  oldest  land  grant  on  record  that  we 
have  been  able  to  discover,  was  made  to  Charles 
Danie,  on  the  10th  day  of  May,  1722.     His  descendants 


16  HISTORICAL  8KETCHE8 

■became  very  numerous  at  one  time,  but  now  only  a  few 
of  them  remain. 

Francois  Charlesville  came  among  the  first  from 
Oanada,  and  engaged  in  trading  down  the  river  to  Now 
Orleans.  He  was  a  man  of  remarkable  shrewdness  and 
•energy,  and  amassed  considerable  wealth.  Charles- 
ville left  four  sons — Francois,  Baptiste,  Charles, 
and  Louis.  Andrew  Charlesville,  now  living  in  the 
Point,  about  70  j-ears  old,  is  the  son  of  Francois,  and 
grandson  of  the  first  Francois. 

Antoine  Bienvenu  came  from  New  Orleans,  and 
brought  with  him  considerable  wealth.  He  lived  for 
the  sole  object  of  enjoying  life,  and  probably  no  man 
•  ever  received  a  larger  share  of  life's  ephemeral  joys. 
He  left  three  sons,  Antoine,  Henry,  and  Michael,  all 
of  whom  lived  and  died  in  Kaskaskia.  Some  of  their 
children  are  yet  living  about  the  village. 

Louis  Buyat  came  direct  from  France  to  Kaskaskia. 
He  belonged  to  a  family  of  some  rank,  and  on  his  arri- 
val in  Kaskaskia,  he  took  a  leading  position  among  the 
people.  The  bell  which  hangs  by  the  church,  whoso 
mellow  tones  were  the  first  ever  heard  in  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley,  and  which  has  announced  the  hour  of 
worship  for  more  than  a  hundred  years,  was  sent  as  a 
present  to  Mr.  Buyat  to  be  given  by  him  to  the  infant 
church  of  America.  His  name  is  intimately  connected 
with  the  church  and  the  town.  From  him  sprang  a 
numerous  descendency,  Louis  Buyat,  the  first  son 
of  the  pioneer,  was  the  father  of  Louis,  Michael, 
Nicholas,  Henry,  and  Joseph,  who  became  prominent 
men  among  the  people.  Joseph  the  youngest  son  is 
atill  living,  and  is  now  one  of  the  oldest  men  to  be 
found  about  Kaskaskia.  Tho  family  is  less  numerous 
now  than  formerly. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  17 

Alexis  Doza  was  from  Canada,  and  possessed  a  re- 
markable energy  and  courage.  His  son,  named  also 
Alexis,  became  one  of  the  most  distinguished  charac- 
ters of  Kaskaskia.  He  was  fearless  of  danger,  adven- 
turous, energetic,  and  possessed  a  degree  of  hardihood 
and  endurance  which  rarely  falls  to  the  lot  of  man.  It 
is  related  of  him  that  he  would  start  from  Kaskaskia  at 
any  hour,  whether  night  or  day,  and  make  the  trip  to 
Vincennes,  on  foot  and  alone,  in  three  days.  He  became 
a  carrier  of  dispatches  between  the  two  posts,  and 
would  travel  across  the  country  when  it  was  extremely 
dangerous  for  any  white  man  to  be  found  outside  the  vil- 
lages. Some  of  his  descendants  are  yet  living  about 
Kaskaskia. 

Joseph  Paget  was  probably  the  father  of  Prix 
Pagi,  (although  there  is  a  difference  in  the  orthography 
of  the  names).  Prix  Pagi  erected  a  mill  on  the  site 
where  Mr.  Daniel  Reily's  mill  stands.  He  was  mur- 
dered in  the  mill  by  the  Indians. 

Of  Michael  Autyen,  De  Lisle,  La  Deroutte,  and 
Noval,  we  have  been  unable  to  learn  anything  beyond 
the  fact,  that  they  were  among  the  earliest  pioneers, 
and  occupied  conspicuous  positions  in  the  village. 

Mr.  Langlois  located  and  lived  in  Kaskaskia,  until 
the  year  1736,  when  he  joined  the  expedition  under 
D'Artaguette  (then  Governor  of  Illinois,)  and  Vin- 
cennes, against  the  Chickasaw  Indians,  and  with  them 
was  taken  prisoner  and  burned  at  the  stake.  Some 
of  his  descendants  are  now  living  about  Prairie  Du 
Rocher. 

Though  these  pioneers  in  the  western  world  were 

surrounded  by  a  wilderness,  inhabited  only  by  Indians 

and  wild  beasts,  with  no  communication  with  civilized 

man,  except  through  tedious  voyages  of  the  traders 

*2 


18  HI8T0RICAL  8KKTCHE8 

to  New  Orleans,  and  the  occasional  visits  to  and  from  the 
villages  of  Cahokia  and  Vincennes,  yet  no  people  prob- 
ably ever  enjoyed  life  better  than  they  did.  They  were 
frank,  open-hearted,  brotherly,  unambitious,  careless 
of  the  acquisition  of  property,  contented  and  joy- 
ous. Bringing  with  them  the  gayeties  and  vivacity 
of  Paris  life,  they  indulged  in  every  variety  of  social 
amusement,  and  enjoyed  more  of  life's  pleasures  than  is 
usually  allotted  to  pioneers.  Destitute  of  a  pretext  for 
that  strife,  contention  and  bickering  which  a  desire  for 
wealth  never  fails  to  create,  they  lived  in  peaceful  har- 
mony, and  culled  from  each  passing  hour  the  larger 
share  of  its  moments  for  enjoyment.  Their  wealth, 
their  time  and  labor,  were  matters  of  indifference. — 
"With  a  supei-abundance  of  wheat  and  corn,  which  they 
reaped  from  the  soil  with  but  little  cultivation,  and 
being  supplied  by  the  Indians  with  plenty  of  venison 
and  bear  meat,  they  realized  no  cares  or  anxiety,  and 
were  contented  and  happy.  If  the  unalloyed  happi- 
ness of  temporal  life  has  ever  been  enjoj-ed,  it  was  cer- 
tainly approached  by  those  early  pioneers  of  Kaskaskia. 
The}'  introduced  the  French  system  of  agricul- 
ture, and  each  family  had  a  parcel  of  land  in  the 
■''Common  Field."  A  strict  community  system  was 
observed,  and  if  the  head  of  a  family  was  sick  or  nec- 
essarily absent,  his  crop  was  attended  to  by  his  neigh- 
bors. Ordinances  were  made  regulating  the  repairs  of 
fences,  time  of  gathering  crops,  and  opening  the  field 
for  the  range  of  stock,  in  the  fall.  Each  plat  of  land  in 
the  Common  Field  was  distinctly  marked  out  and 
owned  in  fee  simple  by  the  person  to  whom  granted. 
It  was  a  universal  custom  among  the  villagers,  when 
the  husband  returned  in  the  evening,  weary  from  his 
■daily  toils,  for  his  affectionate  wife  and  children  to  meet 


Or  B4KD0LPH  COUNTY  19 

him  with  a  kiss.  This  domestic  interview  was  at  the 
gate  of  the  door-yard,  in  full  view  of  the  village.  It 
was  an  evidence  of  the  happiness  that  reigned  within. 


THE    CHURCH. 

At  what  time  the  first  parish  priest  appeared 
among  the  people  of  Kaskaskia,  is  now  unknown ;  nei- 
ther oan  it  be  ascertained  when  the  first  parish  church 
was  built.  It  is  certain,  however,  that  the  parish 
congregation  occupied  the  Jesuit  chapel  until  about  the 
year  1721,  when  the  old  building  which  stood  for  half 
a  century  was  erected.  This  was  the  first  permanent 
church  built  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  upon 
this  continent.  The  bell  which  now  hangs  by  the 
spacious  brick  church  in  Kaskaskia,  was  brought  from 
France  and  placed  upon  this  old  building,  and  was  the 
first  bell  to  ring  out  the  tidings  of  christian  worship  in 
the  Mississippi  valley.  Its  measured  strokes  have 
tolled  at  the  buriaj  of  three  generations,  and  still  the 
towering  forest  trees  and  hill  sides  in  the  vicinity  echo 
its  musical  pealing.  The  church  record,  now  among 
the  archives  of  the  church,  reaehos  back  only  to  the 
year  1721 — the  previous  record,  if*  there  was  an}'  kept, 
having  been  lost.  At  that  time  Father  Gibault  was 
ithe  officiating  priest.  He  resided  at  Prairie  du  Rochcr, 
and  was  priest  of  that  parish.  He  performed  the  duties 
pertaining  to  his  holy  office,  for  both  these  parishes,  for 
many  years,  and  died  deeply  lamented  by  the  people, 
for  whose  spiritual  good  he  had  lived  and  labored.  He 
lived  a  truly  ohristain  life,  and  so  deported  himself 
as  to  show  that  he  was  at  peace  with  his  God,  and  his 


20  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

follow  men.  Ho  was  always  cheerful,  and  carried  with! 
him  a  smile  and  pleasant  word  for  every  one  he  met. 
The  church  to  which  reference  has  been  made,  stood 
until  about  the  year  1780,  when  another  was  erected 
neai  the  same  spot,  which  gave  place  to  the  present 
large  brick  edifice  about  twenty  years  ago.  It  is  one 
of  the  largest  churches  in  Illinois.  Father  Perren  is 
now  the  officiating  priest,  and  though  he  has  attained 
the  age  of  sixty,  he  is  able  to  read  the  ancient  church 
record,  which  is  imperfect  French  manuscript,  without 
the  aid  of  glasses. 


GOVERNMENT. 

In  the  year  1708,  the  French  Government  sent  out 
D'Artaouette  as  commissary  of  Louisiana,  with  in- 
structions to  put  in  operation  a  system  of  government. 

He  made  some  progress  towards  the  object  of  his 
mission,  but  owing  to  the  remote  distances  of  the  set- 
tlements from  each  other,  he  could  do  but  little.  In 
1712,  the  French  Government,  believing  the  object  could 
be  best  attained  through  private  enterprise,  conferred 
upon  a  wealthy  merchant  of  Paris,  named  Crozat,  the 
monopoly  of  Louisiana  for  fifteen  years,  expecting  that 
his  commercial  operations  would  be  an  inducement  to 
a  speedy  colonization  of  the  country.  The  nucleus  of 
his  operations  was  in  Louisiana,  but  his  trading  posts 
extended  throughout  the  Mississippi  valley.  A  post 
established  at  Kaskaskia,  was  the  means  of  creating  a 
lively  trade  in  deer,  buffalo,  and  bear  meat,  which  were 
purchased  for  transportation  to  New  Orleans  and  Mo- 
bile. This  also  stimulated  the  erection  of  Mills  for  the 
manufacture  of  flour,  to  be  shipped  to  the  same  market] 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  21 

Traces  of  these  mills  may  be  seen  to  this  day;  along  the 
bluffs  which  skirt  the  cultivated  lands,  and  the  remains 
of  a  wind-mill  were  visible  a  few  years  ago,  in  the  prairie 
between  Kaskaskia  and  Prairie  du  Eocher.  The  re- 
mains of  a  mill  (ire  j^et  to  be  seen  on  the  eastern  side 
>f  the  river,  near  the  residence  of  Mr.  Menard.  It  was 
probably  at  this  time  that  a  mill  was  eredtwbtrpon  the 
same  site  where  Mr.  Riley's  mill  now  stands. 

Crozat  was  succeeded,  in  1717,  by  the  "Company  of 
the  West,"  organized  in  Paris,  to  cooperate  with  a  crazy 
Scotchman,  John  Law,  in  a  wild  banking  and  stock- 
jobbing scheme,  and  invested  in  fee  simple  to  the  public 
lands.  From  this  source  the  villages  and  individuals 
obtained  grants  and  titles  to  such  quantities  of  the 
public  domain  as  they  wanted.  This  company  was 
uerged  into  the  "  Royal  Companjr  of  frhe  Indies,"  in 
1719,  and  thereafter  transacted  business  under  that 
name.  M.  Boisbriant,  the  representative  of  the  crown. 
*nd  commissary  of  the  Company,  and  De  Ursins,  were 
stationed  at  Fort  Chartres  for  the  purpose  of  conveying 
lands  to  the  settlers.  A  series  of  articles  were  enacted 
in  1721,  by  a  council  deputed  by  the  King  of  France, 
Foi  the  government  of  the  Royal  Company.  Under 
these  regulations  the  company  prospered,  and  agricul- 
ture, commerce  and  population  increased  rapidly. — 
H  ere  a  little  pebble  of  civilization  had  been  dropped 
into  the  centre  of  the  wild  ocean  of  savage  life,  and  the 
circling  ripple  was  well  started,  and  beginning  to  widen 
out 

Through  the  agency  of  this  Company,  horses,  cattle, 
bogs  and  chickens  were  introduced.  Cattle  were 
brought  from  Canada,  and  were  almost  universally 
black.  Horses  were  brought  from  the  Spanish  posses- 
sions in  the  south.     They  were  of  the  Arabian  stock, 


82  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

having  boon  introduced  into  Spain  by  the  Moors,  and 
brought  to  America  by  the  Spaniards.  The  celebrated 
French,  or  "Point  Ponies,"  have  descended  from  this 
stock.  The  "Company  of  St.  Phillips" — a  branch  of 
the  Royal  Company,  was  organized  in  1719,  in  Paris, 
and  Philip  Francois  Renault  was  appointed  the 
principal  agent.  He  expected  to  engage  in  mining, 
and  brought  with  him  about  two  hundred  miners,  me- 
chanics and  laborers.  He  stopped  in  the  "West  Indies 
and  bought  five  hundred  negro  slaves,  and  arrived  in 
Illinois  with  ample  means  for  prosecuting  the  business 
of  the  Company.  This  was  the  origin  of  the  "French 
slaves"  in  Illinois,  whose  numerous  descendants  can  now 
be  found  in  Kaskaskia,  St.  Genivievo,  St.  Louis  and 
many  other  places. 

The  charter  of  the  Royal  Company  was  surrendered 
in  1732,  and  the  country  reverted  back  again  to  the  Gov. 
crnment  of  France.  M.  D'Artaguette  was  appointed 
Governor  of  Illinois.  Under  his  administration  the 
French  settlements  enjoyed  their  palmiost  days.  He 
became  a  very  popular  man,  and  was  known  from 
Louisiana  to  Canada.  He  gave  his  personal  attention 
and  energies  to  every  enterprise  whose  object  was  to 
benefit  the  poople  of  his  province. 

In  1736,  when  the  French  Government  decided  upon 
an  expedition  against  the  Chickasaw  Indians,  he  col- 
lected all  the  military  force  he  could  muster  in  the 
Illinois  and  Wabash  country,  which  consisted  of  a  few 
regulars  who  had  been  stationed  at  Fort  Chartros,  a 
few  companies  of  volunteer  militia,  and  about  one. 
thousand  redskins,  whom  he  had  induced  to  join  his 
army  by  his  own  personal  influence  among  them.  He 
descended  the  Mississippi  to  the  lower  Chickasaw  Bluffs, 
and  thon  crossed  the  country  to  the  sources  of  the  TaU 


OF  RANDOLPH   COUNTY-  23 

lahatchie  river,  where,  by  appointment,  he  was  to  meet 
Bienville,  with  the  troops  from  Louisiana.  Bien- 
ville failed  to  come  at  the  appointed  time,  and  not 
being  able  to  restrain  the  undisciplined  Indians,  D'Ar- 
taguette  was  forced  to  attack  the  enemy  against  his 
own  judgment.  His  little  army  was  forced  to  retreat, 
and  he  and  the  gallant  Vincennes,  and  some  others 
were  taken  prisoners  and  were  burned  at  the  stake. 
Never  did  Indian  fires  crackle  the  sinews  of  braver  and 
nobler  men.  La  Buissonierre  was  appointed  the  suc- 
cessor of  D'Artaguette,  and  administered  the  govern- 
ment until  the  year  1751.  During  this  period  the 
whole  country  enjoyed  a  profound  peace.  Happiness 
and  prosperity  smiled  upon  the  settlements.  The  Indians 
throughout  the  whole  length  and  breadth  of  the  valley 
were  at  peace,  and  the  commercial  intercourse  between* 
the  Southern  and  Northern  posts,  which  had  been  inter- 
rupted by  the  Chickasaws,  was  again  resumed.  Cheva- 
lier McCarty  succeeded  to  the  Governorship  in  1751, 
and  continued  to  hold  the  position  until  a  short  time 
before  the  country  passed  into  the  possession  of  the 
English,  in  1763.  M.  St.  Ange  de  Belle  Rive  was  the 
last  of  the  French  Governors  for  the  Illinois  country. 
On  the  arrival  of  Capt.  Stirling,  of  the  Royal  High- 
landers, in  1765,  Governor  Rive  retired  to  St.  Louis. 
Capt.  Stirling  died  at  Fort  Chartres  a  short  time  after 
his  arrival,  and  was  succeeded  first  by  Major  Frazier, 
and  soon  after  by  Col.  Reed,  who  become  notorious  for 
his  military  oppressions.  His  career,  however,  was 
short,  as  he  was  succeeded  in  1768  by  Col.  Wilkinb, 
who,  by  the  authority  of  Gen.  Gage,  then  Commander 
of  the  British  army  in  America,  established  a  court  of 
justice.  He  appointed  seven  judges  who  held  court  at 
Fort  Chartres,  commencing  on  the  6th  of  December, 


24  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

176b.  This  was  the  first  court  of  common  law  juris- 
diction ever  held  in  the  Mississippi  valley.  In  1772, 
the  seat  of  government  was  moved  from  Fort  Chartres 
to  Fort  Gage.  The  British  garrison  which  had  heen 
stationed  at  Fort  Chartres,  under  the  command  of  the 
Governor,  removed  and  occupied  the  Fort.  This  Fort 
became  the  seat  of  Government,  and  was  occupied  for 
that  purpose  as  long  as  the  English  retained  possession 
of  the  country.  M.  Kocheblave,  a  Frenchman,  was 
commandant  at  the  time  the  Fort  was  surrendered  to 
Col.  Clark,  1778. 


CJL/VRJOJ  EXPEDITION. 

The  people  of  Kaskaskia  and  the  West  took  but  little 
part  in  tho  American  Eevolution,  during  the  first  years 
of  its  existence.  Remotely  situated  from  the  theatre 
of  war,  and  menaced  by  no  invading  army,  they  quietly 
pursued  their  ordinary  avocations,  giving  themselves 
but  little  concern  about  affairs  on  the  Atlantic  coast. 
Indeed,  they  knew  but  little  of  what  was  going  on,  for 
the  means  of  obtaining  news  was  scarcely  sufficient  to 
give  them  a  correct  idea  of  the  cause  of  the  war.  A 
small  garrison  of  British  soldiers  occupied  Fort  Gage, 
and  passed  the  time  in  listless  inactivity. 

In„4778,  Col.  Georoe  Rogers  Clark,  acting  under 
instructions  of  Patrick  Henry,  then  Governor  of  Vir- 
ginia, collected  four  companies  of  volunteers  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  "Ohio  Falls"  and  "Corn  Island," 
and  set  out  on  an  expedition  to  take  Kaskaskia.  This 
little  army,  numbering  one  hundred  and  fifty-three 
men.  descended  the  Ohio  river  to  Fort  Massacre,  below 


OF   RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  25> 

the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee,  where  they  landed  and 
commenced  their  march  across  the  wilderness. 

On  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  they  found  a  party  of  hunt- 
ers from  Kaskaskia,  from  whom  they  obtained  impor- 
tant information  about  the  state  of  affairs  there.    Clark 
secured  John  Saunders,  one  of  the  hunting  party,  to 
conduct   the  army  across  the  country.     The  distance 
was   one   hundred  and  twenty   miles.      Beaching  the 
vicinity  of  the  Fort  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river, 
Clark  concealed  his  men  until  nightfall,  and  sent  out 
spies  to  reconnoitre  and  report.     After  dark  he  took  pos- 
session of  the  old  ferry  house,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
above  the  village.     Here  he  divided  his  army  into  three 
parties;  two  were  to  cross  the  river  and  attack  the  town 
upon  two  points,  while  the  third  was  to  capture  the 
Fort.     The  British  had  instilled  into  the  minds  of  the 
French  that  the  "Long-Knives" — as  they   called  the 
Virginians — were  the  most  terrible  monsters  in  the 
world.     Clark  used  this  impression  to  a  good  purpose 
in  this  attack.     He  directed  that  the  divisions  crossing 
the  river  should  enter  the   town  from  two   opposite 
extremes,  and  as  they  came  in  they  should  frighten  the 
quietly   slumbering  people   into   a   surrender.     These 
divisions  were  under  the  command  of  the  intrepid  Cap- 
tain Helm,  and  when  they  entered  the  town,  and  were 
well  distributed  through  it,  they  set  up  such  a  terrific 
yelling  and  shouting  as  frightened  the  unsuspecting 
people  into  the  thought  that  the  whole  savage  race  of 
"Long-Knives"  had  broken  loose  upon  them.     Never 
did   such    a   hideous,   terrifying   noise    proceed    from 
human  beings  as  those  Virginians  kept  up  until  the 
dawn  of  day.     The  terrified  people  were  told  if  they 
remained  in  their  houses  they  would  not  be  hurt,  but 
if  they  came  out,  or  made  any  resistance,  they  would 
3 


2i\  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

be  killed  in  the  most  barbarous  manner.  They  sur- 
rendered their  guns  and  every  means  of  defense,  and 
seemed  willing  to  accede  to  any  demand  which  the 
invaders  should  make.  Never  were  people  more  effect- 
ually frightened.  They  believed  that  they  were  sur- 
rounded by  a  number  of  these  monsters  sufficient  to 
exterminate  the  whole  village  in  half  an  hour. 

When  morning  came,  the  people  were  not  less  terri- 
fied at  the  appearance  of  the  "Long-Knives,"  than  they 
had  been  at  their  furious  noise. 

While  the  tumultuous  uproar  of  taking  Kaskaskia 
was  going  on,  Clark,  at  the  head  of  the  third  division 
of  his  little  army,  was  quietly  possessing  himself  of 
Fort  Gage.  The  Fort  was  well  guarded  with  regular 
soldiers,  and  cannon.  Clark  had  no  cannon  or  any 
means  whatever,  of  assaulting  the  Fort.  It  became 
necessary,  therefore,  to  resort  to  stratagem.  By  ac- 
cident, an  American  in  the  Fort,  whose  sympathies 
were  with  the  American  cause,  met  Capt.  Kenton,  who 
was  leading  the  detachment  to  enter  the  Fort.  This 
American  conducted  Kenton  and  his  men  in  by  a  back 
gate.  The}7  found  a  light  burning,  but  all  within  were 
sleeping  soundly.  Governor  Rocheblave  had  no  in- 
timation of  what  was  going  on  until  awakened  by  Capt. 
Kenton  to  be  informed  that  he  was  a  prisoner. 

The  annals  of  romance  furnish  nothing  more  singular 
than  this  achievement.  The  origin  of  the  expedition, 
the  journey — with  its  perils  and  hardships,  the  manner 
of  the  attack,  and  the  kucccss,  possessed  the  air  of 
fiction. 

With  the  Fort  in  his  possession,  which  commanded 
Kaskaekia.  Clark  had  the  means  of  enforcing  any 
mandate  he  might  issue.  The  people  were  in  his  power, 
and  regarded  him  with  mistrustful  awe.     The  day  after 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  27 

the  conquest,  Clark  organized  a  temporary  military 
government,  and  put  some  suspected  persons  in  prison. 
Governor  Rocheblave  was  refractory,  and  Clark  £ut 
him  in  irons  and  sent  him  in  charge  of  Capt.  M^»ffr- 
gomery  to  Williamsburg,  then  the  capital  of  Virginia. 
The  people,  fearfully  excited,  and  seeing  these  pro- 
ceedings, concluded  that  some  terrible  doom  awaited 
them.  Clark  designedly  remained  silent,  and  appeared 
to  be  meditating  some  mode  of  awful  torture  to  inflict 
\ipon  the  people.  On  the  third  day,  M.  Gibault,  the 
priest,  and  some  others,  came  to  Clark  and  asked  that 
they  might  have  permission  to  assemble  in  the  church 
once  more  before  they  were  destroyed,  and  bid  each 
other  a  last  farewell. 

Clark  replied,  in  a  very  careless  manner,  that  he 
cared  but  little  how  they  took  their  final  separation — 
that  they  could  go  to  the  church  if  they  wished.  Ho 
looked  destruction,  and  his  words,  which  were  few, 
scorched  as  if  they  proceeded  from  out  a  fiery  furnace. 
The  whole  population  assembled  in  the  church, 
mournfully  chanted  their  prayers,  and  took  final  leave 
— never  expecting  to  meet  each  other  again  in  this 
world.  After  their  parting  interview  was  over — which 
must  have  been  a  scene  to  melt  the  savage  hearts  of  the 
imaginary  "  Long-Knives" — Clark,  regarding  the  ob- 
ject of  his  artful  maneuver  fully  accomplished,  called 
them  together,  and  thus  addressed  them  : 

"  Who  do  you  take  us  to  be  ?  Do  you  think  we  are 
savages — that  we  intend  to  massacre  you  ?  Do  you 
think  Americans  will  strip  women  and  children,  and 
take  the  bread  out  of  their  mouths?  My  countrymen 
never  make  war  upon  the  innocent.  It  was  to  protect 
our  own  wives  and  children  that  we  have  penetrated 
this   wilderness  to  subdue   those   British    posts,   from 


28  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

whence  the  savages  are  supplied  with  arms  and  ammu- 
nition to  murder  us.  -We  do.  not  war  against  French- 
men. The  King  of  France,  your  former  master,  is  our 
ally.  His  ships  and  soldiers  are  fighting  for  the  Amer- 
icans. The  French  are  our  friends.  Go  and  enjoy  your 
religion,  and  worship  where  you  please.  Eetain  your 
property — and  now  please  to  inform  all  your  citizens 
for  me  that  they  are  quite  at  liberty  to  conduct  them- 
selves as  usual,  and  dismiss  all  apprehensions  of  alarm. 
We  are  your  friends,  and  came  to  deliver  you  from  the 
British." 

This  speech  relieved  the  pressure  of  anxiety  which 
had  weighed  so  heavily  upon  them,  and  a  revulsion  of 
the  most  uproarious  joy  prevailed  throughout  the  town. 
To  the  people  it  seemed  a  deliverance  from  horrible 
tortures  and  death.  They  cheerfully  and  gladly  ac- 
knowledged CLARK'the  Commandant  of  the  country. 

In  the  winter  following,  Col.  Clark  received  infor- 
mation that  Gov.  Hamilton,  commanding  the  British 
forces  at  Yincennes,  had  determined  to  re-capture  Kas- 
kaskia.  At  first  Clark  decided  to  defend,  and  com 
menced  preparing  Fort  Gage  for  the  siege,  but  upon 
mature  reflection  he  resolved  to  invade  Vincennes  and 
take  Hamilton,  lest  Hamilton  should  invade  Kaskas- 
kia  and  take  him.  He  reinforced  the  remnant  of  his 
army  still  remaining,  by  a  volunteer  company  of 
Frenchmen  from  Kaskaskia,  under  Capt  Charles- 
ville,  and  another  from  Cahokia,  commanded  by  Capt. 
McCarty,  and  on  the  7th  of  February,  1779,  this  heroic 
band,  with  the  brave  and  sagacious  Clark  at  its  head, 
commenced  the  perilous  march  on  the  "Old  Vincennes 
trace"  to  Fort  Sackville.  A  boat  had  been  dispatched 
around  by  the  Ohio  river,  carrying  two  four-pound  can- 
aon,  four  swivels,  and  a  quantity  of  provisions.     Capt. 


OT  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  2» 

John  Rogers,  with  forty-six  men,  was  entrusted  with 
this  boat,  and  instructed  to  meet  the  army  near  Vin- 
cennes.  When  Clark  approached  the  village,  he  sent 
a  note  to  the  inhabitants  informing  them  of  his  arrival, 
and  the  object  of  his  coming.  To  make  the  people 
think  that  he  had  a  formidable  army,  he  sent  in  the 
names  of  various  gentlemen  in  Kentucky,  to  their  ac- 
quaintances in  Vincennes,  which  made  them  believe 
that  nearly  all  Kentucky  was  in  the  field.  He  prac- 
ticed this  delusion  upon  the  troops  in  the  garrison,  as 
well  as  upon  the  people  of  the  town,  by  marching  his 
army  several  times  around  a  mound  in  the  prairie, 
changing  the  colors  of  the  flag  every  time  he  came 
around  on  the  side  of  the  mound  next  the  Fort.  These 
several  divisions  of  a  fine  Kentucky  army,  carefully 
watched  and  counted  by  the  soldiers  in  the  Fort,  had  a 
dampening  effect  upon  red-coat  bravery.  The  assault 
on  the  Fort  was  made  on  the  evening  of  the  23d.  On 
the  morning  of  the  24th,  Clark,  moved  apparently  by 
an  amiable  desire  to  prevent  further  bloodshed,  sent  in 
a  note  ordering  Gov.  Hamilton  to  surrender  the  gar- 
rison immediately. 

The  Governor  refused  to  comply  with  this  peremp- 
tory order,  and  Clark  renewed  the  attack  with  all  the 
force  and  fury  he  could  summon.  An  incessant  fire  of 
eighteen  hours  brought  forth  a  note  from  Hamilton, 
requesting  a  truce  for  three  days,  and  an  interview  with 
Col.  Clark.  To  this  note  Clark  briefly  replied,  posi- 
tively refusing  to  grant  the  truce,  but  very  carelessly 
remarked  that  if  Hamilton  wished  to  talk  with  him, 
he  could  be  found  at  the  church.  Hamilton  sought 
the  interview,  which  gave  Clark  to  understand  that 
the  Governor  was  becoming  concerned  about  his  situa- 
tion. Clark  was  powerfully  courageous.  He  would 
*3 


30  HISTORICAL  BRITCHES. 

listen  to  nothing  but  an  immediate  surrender  of  the 
garrison  at  discretion.  Hamilton  yielded,  and  on  the 
25th,  the  Fort,  with  all  its  stores,  amounting  in  value 
to  more  than  fifty  thousand  dollars,  was  surrendered. 
Seventy-nine  prisoners  were  paroled,  and  went  to  De- 
troit. Governor  Hamilton  was  sent  under  a  strong 
escort  to  the  capital  of  Virginia. 

This  reference  to  the  taking  of  Vincennes  diverges 
somewhat  beyond  the  limits  of  these  sketches,  but  it 
appeared  necessary  as  a  connecting  link  in  the  chain  of 
events  of  which  Kaskaskia  was  the  prolific  source,  and 
to  show  more  fully  the  operations  and  character  of 
Col.  Clark,  than  whom  no  man  was  better  fitted  for 
the  conquest  of  Illinois.  High  upon  the  scroll  of  fame 
should  be  registered,  in  enduring  characters,  the  name 
of  George  Eogers  Clark.  Upon  the  summit  of  Gar- 
rison Hill,  amidst  the  remaining  ruins  of  Fort  Gage, 
Illinois  should  do  honor  to  a  gallant  soldier  and  pure 
patriot,  by  the  erection  of  a  monument  to  his  memory. 


ILLINOW    BELONGED    TO    VIRGINIA. 

Col.  Clark  bad  now  effectually  conquered  the  Illi- 
nois country,  and  driven  the  British  from  it.  Illinois 
then  embraced  the  territory  out  of  which  have  been 
formed  the  States  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  Michigan,  Wiscon- 
sin, and  Illinois.  This  territory  was  claimed  by  Vir- 
ginia, and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  it  fell  under  her  juris- 
diction. In  October,  1778,  the  House  of  Burgesses 
created  "Illinois  County" — which  included  the  whole 
district  on  the  "  Western  side  of  the  Ohio  river."  Col. 
John  Todd,  of  Kentucky,  was  appointed  by  Patrick 
Henry,    the  Governor  of  Virginia,   Lieutenant  Gov- 


Or   RANDOLPH    COUNTT.  31 

ernor,  or  County  Lieutenant,  and  Civil  Commandant  of 
"Illinois  County."  He  arrived  at  Kaskaskia  on  the 
15th  of  June,  1779,  and  proceeded  immediately  to  put 
in  operation  a  civil  government,  by  establishing  courts 
and  appointing  officers.  He  administered  the  executive 
trust  of  Illinois  County  until  the  year  1782.  In  that 
year  he  went  to  Virginia,  on  business  pertaining  to  the 
county.  On  his  return  through  Kentucky,  finding 
his  old  companions,  Colonels  Daniel  Boone,  Logan, 
Cooper,  Major  McGary,  and  others,  by  whose  side  he 
had  stood  in  many  a  skirmish  with  Indians — going  to 
fight  their  troublesome  enemies  again,  he  could  not  resist 
the  temptation  of  joining  them.  But  the  romance  of  an 
Indian  war  became  a  sad  reality  with  him.  He  was 
killed  in  the  celebrated  battle  of  Blue  Licks. 

The  successor  of  Col.  Todd  was  Timothy  de  Mont- 
brun,  a  Frenchman.  His  name  is  attached  to  deeds  of 
conveyance  and  other  public  papers,  now  among  the 
archives  of  Eandolph  Count}'. 


THE    NORTH-AVEST    TERRITORY. 

Virginia  ceded  the  North-West  Territory  to  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  in  1784,  but  the  bill  organizing  the 
Territory  did  not  pass  until  1787.  General  Arthur 
St.  Clair,  of  Pennsylvania,  who  had  borne  a  conspic- 
uous part  in  the  revolution,  and  filled  many  civil  offices, 
was  appointed  Governor  of  the  newly  organized  Ter- 
ritory. "Winthrop  Sargeant  was  appointed  Secre- 
tary, and  Parsons,  Barnum,  and  Symmes,  United  States 
Judges. 

Though  these  Territorial  officers  were  appointed  in 
1787,  they  did  not  reach  Kaskaskia  until  the  year  1790. 


32  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

Upon  the  arrival  of  the  Governor  and  Secretary,  the 
county  of  St.  Clair  was  organized — the  boundary  line 
commencing  at  the  mouth  of  Mackinaw  creek,  on  the 
Illinois  river,  and  running  in  a  direct  course  to  the  Ohio; 
thence  down  that  river  to  its  mouth,  and  up  the  Mis- 
sissippi and  Illinois  rivers  to  the  place  of  beginning. 
A  Court  of  Common  Pleas  was  established,  and  John 
Edgar,  of  Kaskaskia,  John  Baptiste  Barbeau,  of 
Prairie  Du  Rocher,  and  John  de  Moulin,  of  Cahokia, 
were  appointed  Judges,  each  of  whom  held  courts  in  the 
district  of  his  residence — the  county  being  divided  into 
three  judicial  districts.  William  St.  Clair  was  ap- 
pointed Clerk,  and  Eecorder  of  Deeds,  and  William 
Biggs,  Sheriff.  Thus  the  machinery  of  government  was 
set  in  motion,  and  continued  without  interruption  until 
1795,  when  Randolph  County  was  stricken  off  from  St. 
Clair,  and  organized.  As  a  sketch  of  the  county  will 
be  given,  further  reference  to  it  will  be  omitted  here. 
To  preserve  the  chronological  order  designed  in  these 
sketches,  it  becomes  necessary  here  to  refer  to  the  first 
English  settlers  in  Kaskaskia. 


ENGLISH    SETTLERS    IN    KASKASKIA. 

At  this  period  Kaskaskia  was  the  most  important 
place  west  of  the  Alleghany  Mountains,  and  was  the 
point  to  which  all  emigrants  to  the  wilderness  Territory 
directed  their  course.  After  reaching  Kaskaskia,  they 
would  explore  the  adjacent  country  and  select  loca- 
tions. Some  of  these,  to  whom  we  shall  refer,  remained 
in  Kaskaskia  only  a  short  time. 

Some  of  the  soldiers  under  Col.  Clark  remained  in 
the  country,  or  returned  to  the  States  and  brought 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  33 

their  families  and  other  emigrants  to  the  newly  con- 
quered Territory.  Among  these  pioneers  were  John 
Dayle,  James  Piggat,  Eobebt  "Whitehead,  Bowen, 
Wm.  Biggs,  James  Moore,  Shadrack  Bond,  Robert 
Kidd,  Luke  Rutherford,  and  James  Garrison.  This 
band  of  brave  pioneers  who  opened  the  way  for  that 
influx  of  emigration  which  has  peopled  the  West,  reached 
Kaskaskia  in  the  year  1781.  Dayle,  Piggat,  Bowen, 
Biggs,  Kidd,  Rutherford,  and  Whitehead,  were  sol- 
diers, accustomed  to  the  privations  of  pioneer  life  and 
travel.  They  had  pursuaded  the  others  to  come  with 
them  to  the  wilderness  country,  and  make  their  home 
upon  the  rich  soil  and  amidst  the  deepened  forest  of 
Illinois. 

Dayle  located  permanently  in  Kaskaskia,  and  being 
a  man  of  some  education,  he  taught  school — whether 
English  or  French  is  now  a  matter  of  conjecture.  He 
understood  both  languages.  Nearly  all  of  the  others 
were  farmers,  and  settled  in  the  bottom  above  Kas- 
kaskia. This  was  the  first  settlement  of  the  Americans 
in  the  country,  and  from  the  fact  of  their  settling 
here,  the  name  "American  Bottom"  has  been  applied 
to  that  large  extent  of  alluvial  land  along  the  Mis- 
sissippi,., reaching  from  Alton  to  Chester — a  distance 
of  about  one  hundred  miles. 

About  the  same  time,  a  Mr.  Huff,  with  his  family, 
and  a  few  others,  left  Pennsylvania,  and  started  for 
Illinois.  Huff  had  married  the  widow  Mooredock, 
who  had  three  sons  along  with  the  party.  While  as- 
cending the  Mississippi,  near  the  Grand  Tower,  the 
party  were  attacked  by  Indians,  and  Mrs.  Huff,  one  of 
her  sons,  and  some  others  of  the  party,  were  killed. 
Mrs.  Huff  was  butchered  in  a  shocking  manner.  The 
remnant  of  the  party  reached  Kaskaskia,  and  settled  in 


34  HISTORICAL  8KKTCWV 

the  American  Bottom.  A  few  yeai-s  afterwards,  Mr. 
Huff  was  killed  by  the  Indians,  on  the  road  between 
Kaskaskia  and  Prairie  du  Bocher.  John  Mooredock, 
(the  stepson  of  Huff,)  whose  name  figures  conspicu- 
ously in  the  earl}-  events  of  Illinois,  harbored  a  spirit 
of  unrelenting  revenge  against  the  Indians  for  injuries 
he  had  received  in  the  horrible  death  .of  his  mother — 
the  death  of  two  stepfathers,  and  the  death  of  a 
brother.  The  destruction  to  Indian  life  was  his  ruling 
passion,  and  he  sought  it  at  all  times,  whether  in  peace 
or  war.  He  was  the  most  deadly  foe  that  ever  ap- 
peared against  the  Indians  of  Illinois.  He  was  fore- 
most in  every  Indian  campaign.  His  name  was  a  ter- 
ror to  his  savage  enemies.  But  notwithstanding  the 
destructive  vengeance  that  burned  in  his  bosom  for 
savage  blood  in  retaliation  of  injuries  received,  in  the  civil 
walks  of  life  he  was  kind,  benevolent,  sociable  and  gay, 
and  yielded  willingly  to  the  fascinations  of  agreeable 
society.  He  married  a  Miss  Garrison — stepdaughter 
to  Shadrack  Bond,  Sen.  He  was  elected  a  member 
from  St.  Clair  county  to  the  Territorial  Legislature, 
which  convened  at  Vincennes  in  1803,  and  served 
again  in  the  Legislature  at  Kaskaskia,  in  1814.  He 
held  the  rank  of  Major  in  the  militia,  and  was  field 
officer  under  Governor  Edwards,  in  the  campaign  of 
1812. 

About  the  year  1782,  Icdabod  and  George  Camp 
came  to  Kaskaskia,  and  resided  for  some  time  in  the 
town.  They  afterwards  made  improvements  west  of 
the  Kaskaskia  l'iver,  not ,  far  from  the  residence  of 
James  O'Hara  and  Henry  D.  Simpson.  Camp's 
Creek,  which  crosses  the  Kaskaskia  and  Bed  Bud  road, 
between  O'Hara's  and  Simpson's,  took  its  name 
from  these  men.     They  afterwards  moved  away,  and 


or  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  86 

ideated  at  '•  Camp's  Spring,"  in  Missouri,  a  few  miles 
vest  of  St.  Louis. 

John  and  Israel  Dodge  came'  to  Kaskaskia  about 
the  close  of  the  Revolution.  Israel  Dodge  was  the 
father  of  Henry  Dodge,  late  United  States  Senator 
from  the  State  of  Wisconsin.  Hon.  A.  C.  Dodge,  Ex> 
United  States  Senator  from  Iowa,  is  the  son  of  the 
Wisconsin  Senator. 

The  Dodge  family  left  Kaskaskia  in  1794,  and  went 
to  St.  G-enivieve.  They  manufactured  salt  at  the  mouth 
of  Saline  Creek,  a  few  miles  below  St.  Genivieve,  on  the 
Mississippi. 

John  Cook,  Jacob  Judy,  William  Music,  James 
Piggat,  and  Robert  Sybald,  came  to  Kaskaskia 
about  the  close  of  the  year  1780.  Judy  remained  in 
Kaskaskia  a  few  years,  and  then  located  on  the  site,  of 
"  Judy's  Mill,"  in  Monroe  County.  He  erected  this 
mill  in  the  year  1794.  It  was  the  first  water-mill  of 
any  kind  built  by  the  American  settlers  in  that  region. 
It  did  good  service  for  many  years. 

In  1784,  John  Edgar,  from  the  British  navy,  reached 
Kaskaskia.  The  circumstances  of  his  quitting  the 
navy  and  seeking  a  home  in  this  wild  country,  are  of 
sufficient  interest  to  be  recorded.  During  the  Revolu- 
tion he  was  fighting  against  the  Colonies  in  their  strug- 
gle for  Liberty  and  Independance.  He  had  courted 
and  married  an  American  lady,  whose'  sympathies,  of 
course,  were  warm  and  deep  for  the  American  cause. 
She  was  a  woman  of  extraordinary  talent  and  shrewd- 
ness, and  was  the  projector  of  many  plans  by  which 
the  soldiers  in  the  British  army,  who  became  tired  of 
fighting  against  the  cause  of  freedom,  made  their  es- 
cape and  joined  the  Americans.  On  one  occasion  she 
had  arranged  with  three  soldiers  to  desert — she  was  to 


36  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

furnish  them  guns  and  uniform,  and  give  them  all  nec- 
essary information  to  enable  them  to  reach  the  Amer- 
ican camp.  When  they  came  she  was  absent,  but  her 
husband,  although  belonging  to  the  British  army,  was 
her  confidant  in  all  her  operations,  and  knowing  the 
object  for  which  these  soldiers  had  come,  furnished 
them  with  the  outfit  prepared  for  them  by  her.  They 
unfortunately  were  apprehended,  and  taken  back  to  the 
British  camp. 

There  they  were  made  to  reveal  the  names  of  those 
who  had  assisted  them.  This  implicated  Edgar,  and 
he  had  to  fly.  He  remained  awhile  in. the  American 
army,  where  he  became  the  intimate  friend  of  La  Fay- 
ette, but  deeming  the  West  a  safer  retreat  for  one 
whose  life  was  in  such  imminent  jeopardy,  he  came  to 
Kaskaskia.  His  property  was  confiscated,  but  his  wife, 
with  her  remarkable  sagacity,  saved  from  the  wreck 
about  twelve  thousand  dollars,  which  she  carefully  hus- 
banded until  she  joined  her  husband,  two  years  after- 
ward, in  his  western  home.  Mrs.  Edgar's  name  merits 
a  high  rank  among  the  heroines  of  Revolutionary 
memory. 

Leaving  the  British  service  for  the  American  cause, 
was  a  source  of  no  regret  with  Gen.  Edgar.  He  was 
an  Irishman  by  birth,  and  the  wrongs  of  England 
towards  his  native  land  had  made  their  impress  upon 
his  patriotic  mind. 

He  engaged  in  business,  and  stimulated  the  com- 
merce of  the  country  by  his  energy,  enterprise  and 
sagacity.  He  traded  extensively  in  lands,  and  left,  at 
his  death,  large  tracts  in  Randolph,  Monroe,  St.  Clair, 
Madison,  Clinton,  Washington,  Perry  and  Jackson 
counties,  which  are  known  to  this  day  as  the  "Edgar 
Lands."     He  rebuilt  the  mill  of  M.  Paget,  (which  had 


OF   RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  37 

passed  into  ruins,)  and  shipped  his  flour  to  the  southern 
markets.  When  St.  Clair  County  was  organized,  in 
1790,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  judges  of  the  Common 
Pleas  Court,  and  his  name  appears  upon  the  Court 
Records  in  some  official  capacity  for  more  than  a  quar- 
ter of  a  century.  He  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
Legislature  which  convened  at  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  under 
Governor  St.  Clair's  Administration.  The  United 
States  appointed  him  Major  General  of  the  Illinois  Mili- 
tia, which  post  he  filled  with  dignified  ability  for  a  long 
series  of  years. 

John  Rice  Jones,  a  Welchman,  located  in  Kaskaskia, 
in  1790,  and  commenced  the  practice  of  law.  He  was 
the  first  lawyer  in  Illinois  who  practiced  at  the  bar. 
Nature  intended  him  for  an  ornament,  and  her  work 
was  well  performed.  His  career  at  the  bar  was  brill- 
iant. He  remained  in  Kaskaskia  until  1802,  when  he 
moved  to  Vincennes.  In  the  same  year,  he  was  ap- 
pointed a  United  States  Judge  of  the  Indiana  Territory. 
He  afterwards  moved  to  St.  Louis,  and  finally  to  Wash- 
ington County,  Missouri,  and  became  one  of  the  most 
conspicuous  men  in  the  early  days  of  that  State.  He 
was  a  candidate,  in  opposition  to  Col.  Benton,  for  the 
United  States  Senate,  before  the  first  General  Assembly 
of  Missouri,  but  was  defeated.  He  was  elected  by  the 
same  Legislature  one  of  tho  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Missouri,  which  office  he  held  until  his  death, 
in  1824. 

Rice  Jones,  the  oldest  son  of  John  Rice  Jones,  hav- 
ing acquired  the  profession  of  law  in  Connecticut,  loca- 
ted in  Kaskaskia  in  1806,  and  commenced  the  practice 
with  much  success.  He  became  conspicuous  as  a  poli- 
tician. He  had  a  difficulty  with  Governor  Bond, 
growing  out  of  political  differences,  which  almost  re- 


3£  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

suited  in  »  duel.  The  preliminaries  were  arranged, 
and  the  parties  were  upon  the  ground,  but  Jones'  pistol 
went  off  by  accident,  just  before  the  word  was  given  to 
tire,  and  Bond  refused  to  fire  at  Jones.  The  matter 
between  Jones  and  Bond  was  amicably  adjusted,  but  a 
controversy  grew  out  of  it  between  Jones  and  Dunlap, 
Bond's  second.  This  quarrel  became  bitter  and  malig- 
nant. One  afternoon,  as  Jones  was  standing  on  the 
side  of  the  street,  leaning  against  the  railing  of  a  gal- 
lery, conversing  with  a  lady,  Dunlap  approached  and 
shot  him  dead. 

Hon.  G-.  W.  Jones,  late  United  States  Senator  from 
the  State  of  Iowa,  is  a  younger  brother  of  Eice,  whose 
terrible  death  has  just  been  narrated,  and  son  of  John 
Rice  Jones. 

The  same  year,  (1790,)  Pierre,  II  y  polite,  and  Fran- 
cois Menard — three  brothers — originally  from  Quebec, 
arrived  in  Kaskaskia.  Pierre  established  a  mercantile 
house,  and  opened  a  lucrative  trade  with  the  Indians. 
Endowed  with  rare  business  talent,  a  well  balanced 
judgment,  and  an  honest  purpose,  he  rose  rapidly  to  a 
high  degree  of  eminence  and  distinction  among  the 
people  of  the  West,  and  became  the  idol  of  the  Indians. 
The  Federal  Government  appointed  him  Indian  Agent, 
which  post  he  held  for  many  years,  and  gave  perfect 
satisfaction  to  both  parties.  No  man  ever  enjoyed  the 
confidence  and  esteem  of  the  Indians  more  than  he. 
They  worshiped  him ;  and  though  he  controlled  them 
as  a  father  does  his  children,  he  never  took  advantage 
of  that  confidence  and  simplicity  to  wrong  them.  Purity 
of  intention  and  upright  honesty  marked  the  outlines  of 
his  character.  In  private  life  he  was  a  model.  Sym- 
pathy and  benevolence  were  his  ruling  traits.  From 
his  commercial  transactions  he  realized  a  fortune,  which 


Of  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  39 

he  cheerfully  shared  with  the  needy.  No  charitable 
call  ever  reached  his  ear  without  a  ready  responst 

He  was  often  elected  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  and 
tvas  speaker  of  the  House  in  1812.  He  was  elected 
Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  State,  when  it  was  admit- 
ted into  the  Federal  Union.  After  the  close  of  this 
term  of  office,  ho  declined  to  accept  public  stations,  and 
devoted  himself  to  private  affairs.  He  died  in  1844, 
and  was  buried  in  a  vault,  prepared  under  his  own 
supervision,  in  the  old  grave  yard  at  Kaskaskia. 

He  left  three  sons — Pierre,  Ciprion  and  Edmund. 
The  two  former  left  the  county  many  years  ago.  The 
latter  lives  upon  his  father's  old  place,  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  Kaskaskia  river.  The  oldest  daughter  of 
Col.  Menard,  Mrs.  Maxwell,  is  yet  living  in  Kaskaskia. 
She  has  spent  her  whole  life  in  the  village  of  her  nativ- 
ity, and  has  occupied  the  house  where  she  now  resides 
for  more  than  forty  3Tcars.  She  has  in  her  possession 
a  Damask  rose  bush,  which  was  brought  from  New 
Orleans  more  than  a  century  ago.  It  is  the  first  rose 
bush  that  ever  bloomed  in  Illinois,  and  though  it  has 
been  swept  over  by  the  floods  of  the  last  hundred  years, 
it  still  retains  its  vigor  and  bloom,  putting  forth  its 
sprouts  upon  the  annnal  recurrence  of  springtime. — 
Many  an  ardent  lover  has  plucked  a  gem  from  its 
stately  stock,  to  be  presented  to  some  loved  one,  to  tes- 
tify of  the  heart's  devotion. 

Francois  Menard  became  a  distinguished  and  suc- 
cessful navigator  and  trader  upon  the  Mississippi. — 
With  an  energy  that  bent  before  no  obstacle,  and  a 
courage  that  defied  opposition,  he  prosecuted  his  peril- 
ous voyages  upon  the  river  for  a  long  series  of  years. 
He  died  in  Kaskaskia. 

Hypolite  Menard  engaged  in  farming.     He  was  of 


40  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

a  very  lively  and  sociable  disposition,  and  became  very 
popular  among  the  people.  .  He  represented  Randolph 
County  in  the  General  Assembly  one  session. 

William  Morrison  was  another  of  the  distinguished 
characters  who  came  to  Kaskaskia  in  the  year  1790. 
He  came  from  Philadelphia,  as  the  representative  of  the 
mercantile  house  of  Bryant  &  Morrison,  of  that  city^ 
and  established  a  branch  of  the  business  in  Kaskaskia. 
Under  his  sagacious  management  the  transactions  of 
the  house  rapidly  extended  throughout  the  Mississippi 
Valley.  The  field  of  his  operations  was  vast,  but  the 
•capacity  of  his  mind  was  fully  adequate  to  cover  it. 
From  his  store  in  Kaskaskia,  the  merchants  of  St. 
Louis,  St.  Genivieve,  Cape  Girardeau  and  New  Madrid, 
supplied  themselves  with  goods. 

But  the  mighty  machinery  of  commerce  which  he 
managed,  did  not  claim  the  exclusive  control  of  his 
capacious  mind.  Home  was  never  crowded  out  by  the 
pressure  of  business.  He  found  plenty  of  time  to  en- 
joy the  affectionate  society  of  his  family.  Sociable  and 
fond  of  company,  his  house  was  the  welcome  resort  of 
every  visitor  to  Kaskaskia. 

Much  of  his  time  was  devoted  to  public  enterprise. 
Every  project  that  promised  to  advance  the  prosperity 
of  the  country,  found  in  him  an  energetic  advocate. 
He  was  the  moving  spirit  in  constructing  a  bridge 
across  the  river  at  Kaskaskia,  the  piers  of  which  are 
yet  standing,  and  form  an  excellent  monument  to  his 
public  spirit. 

He  died  in  the  year  1837,  leaving  a  vacancy  in  life 
which  but  few  have  the  ability  to  fill.  His  remains  were 
deposited  in  the  old  graveyard  at  Kaskaskia,  where  all 
that  was  mortal  of  so  many  of  the  pioneers  has 
mingled  with  its  original  dust. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  41 

His  descendants  have  occupied  respectable  positions 
in  community.  Joseph  was-  his  oldest  son.  He  went 
to  Ohio,  and  resided  there  several  years,  then  returned, 
and  died  at  Prairie  du  Rocher  in  1845. 

James,  the  second  son,  is  now  a  citizen  of  Wisconsin, 
having  gone  to  that  State  many  years  ago. 

William  located  in  Belleville,  and  died  there  in  18i3 

Lewis  located  in  Covington,  Washington  county,  and 
practiced  medicine  there  until  1851,  when  he  removed 
to  Chester,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business. 
He  died  in  1856. 

George  is  the  youngest  son,  and  still  resides  in  Kas- 
kaskia, where  he  was  born. 

Robert  Morrison,  a  brother  of  William,  came  to 
Kaskaskia  in  1793.  He  was  of  a  friendly,  sociable 
disposition,  and  became  very  popular.  He  was  ap- 
pointed Clerk  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court  in  1801,  and 
held  the  office  for  many  years.  A  favorite  with  the 
people,  he  was  often  selected  to  fill  positions  of  impor- 
tant trust.  Like  his  brother,  he  dispensed  hospitality 
in  a  liberal  manner,  and  his  house  became  the  home  of 
his  friends  and  visitors  to  Kaskaskia. 

His  second  wife,  who  was  the  mother  of  his  children, 
was  a  literary  prodigy.  Many  of  her  poetical  contribu- 
tions to  the  magazines  of  that  day,  touched  the  higher 
order  of  poetry.  She  remodeled  in  verse  the  Psalms  of 
David,  and  had  the  volume  presented  to  the  Philadel- 
phia Presbytery  for  criticism.  The  work  passed  a  crit- 
ical examination,  and  received  much  praise,  but  was 
rejected,  probably  more  from  the  fact  that  it  came  from 
an  obscure  author,  than  from  its  merits.  She'took  a 
deep  interest  in  politics,  and  often  wielded  much  influ. 
ence  in  a  political  campaign  by  her  ably  written  conv 
munications  in  the  newspapers. 
*4 


42  HISTORICAL  8KBTf)KR« 

The  sons  of  Robert  Morrison  are  Edgar,  jambs 
Lowery  Donaldson,  John  Murray,  and  Robert. 

Edgar  graduated  at  the  West  Point  Military  Acade- 
my, and  entered  the  army.  He  died  in  the  home  of  his 
infancy,  while  on  a  visit  to  his  parents,  in  1836. 

James  L.  D.  chose  the  profession  of  law,  and  prac- 
ticed at  the  bar  for  several  years.  He  joined  the  volun- 
teers who  went  to  Mexico,  in  1846,  and  was  promoted 
to  the  office  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  Illinois'  second 
regiment.  He  has  often  been  a  member  of  the  Legis- 
lature, and  was  elected  to  Congress  in  1856.  His 
younger  brothers  emigrated  to  California,  where  they 
now  reside. 

Shadrack  Bond,  from  Maryland,  arrived  in  Kaskas- 
kia  in  1794.  He  was  a  nephew  of  Shadrack  Bond? 
whose  name  was  mentioned  among  the  first  settlers  in 
the  American  Bottom.  Nature  had  designed  Bond  for 
a  Representative  man,  and  though  he  was  surrounded 
by  men  of  great  minds,  he  soon  became  a  leader.  He 
was  elected  first  to  the  Territorial  Legislature,  then  to 
the  lower  House  of  Congress,  and  the  first  Governor  of 
the  State,  without  opposition.  After  be  retired  from 
the  Executive  chair,  he  was  appointed  Register  of  the 
Land  Office  at  Kaskaskia, and  continued  in  that  position 
for  many  years.  He  died  in  "IfloO — the  lamented  and 
favorite  Statesman  of  Illinois.  With  all  those  noble 
qualities  which  adorn  mankind,  the  character  of  (rov- 
ornor  Bond  was  richly  endowed. 

lie  left  two  sons — Thomas  and   Bi.niamin. 

Thomas  chose  the  profession  of  law,  and  practiced  in 
Randolph  and  adjoining  counties,  until  the  year  1849, 
when  he  died,  in  the  very  vigor  of  manhood's  youth  and 
promise.  Benjamin  is  a  rospectable  physician,  prac- 
ticing his  profession  at  Evansville. 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTT  43 

In  the  year  1798,  Dr.  George  Fisher,  from  Virginia, 
located  in  Kaskaskia,  and  commenced  the  practice  of 
his  profession.  He  remained  in  the  town  until  1806, 
when  he  moved  out  ahout  five  miles  on  the  Prairie  du 
Rocher  road,  and  opened  a  farm.  By  his  sprightly 
activity,  and  practical  judgment,  he  became  an  influen- 
tial member  of  the  community,  and  a  popular  politi- 
cian. When  the  Indiana  Territory  was  organized,  he 
was  appointed  Sheriff  of  Randolph  County.  Upon  the 
organization  of  Illinois  Territory,  he  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  first  General  Assembly,  and  chosen 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  In  1818, 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Con- 
vention which  framed  the  first  Constitution  for  the 
State  of  Illinois. 

The  region  in  which  lie  lived  has  always  borne  the 
name  of  "Dr.  Fisher's  Settlement,"  because  he  \vas 
the  first  and  leading  man  there.  He  died  in  1820.  on  Ins 
farm  :i1  the  foot  of  ihe  bluff.  JACOB  PlSHKll,  who 
improved  a  farm  upon  the  Western  side  of  the  Kaskas- 
kia  river,  near  the  shoal,  was  the  only  son  of  the  Doc- 
tor.    He  moved  away  to  Arkansas  many  years  ago. 

Dr.  Truman  Turnim,  came  to  Ivaskaskia  in  1S|'2, 
with  the  army,  as  a  surgeon.  lie  located  and  practiced 
fi#r  several  years  in  the  town,  and  then  moved,  to  Caho- 
Uiii  In  1809,  he  was  appointed  Judge  of  the  Common 
Pleas  Court  of  St.  Clair  County. 

Benjamin  II.  DoVf.E,  John  Rkotop,  and  James  II.\«i- 
iian,  came  to  Ivaskaskia  in  1'::nl,  and  commenced  the 
practice  of  law.  Hao.i.w  returned  to  Kentucky,  from 
whence  he  came,  and  afterwards  became  a  distinguished 
Judge  of  that  Slate. 

Nathaniel  Pope  first  appeared  in  Ivaskaskia  in  1801, 
but  be  located  and  practiced  law  at  St.  Genivieve,  Mis- 


41  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

souri,  until  1808,  when  he  returned  and  became  a  per- 
manent citizen  of  the  former  place.  The  year  follow- 
ing, Illinois  Territory  was  organized,  and  Pope  received 

the  appointment  of  .Secretary.  In  the  absence  of  Gov- 
ernor Edwards,  who  had  not  yet  arrived,  Secretary 
Pope,  a*  Acting-Governor,  issued  a  proclamation 
formally  organizing  the  Territory.  In  1817,  he  was 
elected  the  Territorial  delegate  to  Congress,  and 
became  a  very  influential  member  of  that  body.  It 
was  by  his  efforts  that  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
State  was  changed  from  a  line  running  due  west  from 
the  southern  point  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  fixed  upon 
latitude  forty-two  and  a  half  degrees  north.  Upon  the 
admission  of  Illinois  into  the  Federal  Union,  Pope  was 
appointed  Judge  of  the  United  States  District  Court, 
and  held  that  office  for  more  than  thirty  years.  Nature, 
it  would  seem,  had  designed  him  for  the  bench,  and  he 
occupied  the  position  with  such  abilit}'  and  dignity  aa 
elevated  him  to  a  high  rank  among  the  jurists  of  the 
country. 

In  1814,  he  moved  from  Kaskaskia  and  located  in 
Alton,  where  he  died  in  1850,  having  attained  the  age 
of  sixty-six  years.  He  left  two  sons — William  and 
John.  William  died  in  St.  Louis  some  years  ago. 
John  belongs  to  the  United  States  Topographical  Ser- 
vice, and  has  become  somewhat  distinguished  for  his 
scientific  efforts  in  sinking  Artesian  wells  on  the  West- 
ern plains. 

The  Rector  family,  consisting  of  nine  brothers,  came 
to  Kaskaskia  in  the  year  1806.  They  were  in  the 
United  States  Surveying  Service,  and  only  remained 
temporarily  in  Kaskaskia. 

From  this  period  up  to  1830,  Kaskaskia  was  the  resi- 


OF  RANDOLPH   COUNTY.  45 

dencc  of  many  young  men  who  have  risen  to  positions 
of  distinction. 

Sidney  Breesk,  who  is  now  one  of  the  most  distin- 
guished jurists  and  statesmen  in  Illinois,  located  at 
Kaskaskia  on  his  arrival  in  the  Territory,  and  remained 
there  several  years.  He  was  often  elected  a  member 
of  the  Legislature,  and  served  one  or  two  sessions  in 
the  lower  House  of  Congress.  "When  the  judiciary  of 
the  State  was  re-organized,  in  1835,  he  became  the  first 
Judge  of  the  Circuit  Court  whose  jurisdiction  included 
Randolph  County.  He  was  afterwards  elected  by  the 
Illinois  Legislature  to  a  seat  in  the  United  States  Sen- 
ate, and  bore  a  conspicuous  part  among  the  stalwart 
characters  of  that  august  body.  He  is  now  upon  the 
•Supreme  Bench  of  the  State. 

James  Shields,  an  Irishman  by  birth,  camo  to  Kas- 
kaskia, and  commenced  his  brilliant  career  by  teaching 
school.  He  afterwards  studied  law,  and  became  a  poli- 
tician. He  represented  Randolph  County  in  the  Legis. 
lature — was  Judge  of  the  Circuit  Court,  and  when  the 
Mexican  "War  commenced,  in  1846,  he  was  appointed 
Brigadier-General  of  the  Illinois  volunteers,  and  distin- 
guished himself  as  a  brave  and  intrepid  soldier  in  several 
battles.  After  his  return  from  the  Mexican  campaign, 
the  Illinois  Legislature  testified  their  appreciation  of  his 
military  services  by  electing  him  to  the  United  States 
Senate.  He  now  represents  the  new  State  of  Minnesota 
in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States. 

Elias  K.  Kane  commenced  the  practice  of  law  in 
Kaskaskia,  in  1814,  before  the  time  of  the  two  gentle- 
men previously  referred  to.  He  was  a  man  of  brilliant 
talents,  and  rose  to  a  high  position  among  the  members 
of  the  bar.     He  served  in  the  Legislature,  and  wai 


46  HISTORICAL  SKKTCIIKS 

elected  by  that  body  to  the  United  States  Senate.     He 
rose  high,  and  died  early. 

David  J.  Baker  commenced  his  successful  earcor  at 
the  bar,  in  Kaskaskia.  He  enjoyed  a.lucrativo  practice 
for  many  years.  He  now  livos  in  Alton,  having  retired, 
in  his  old  a^e,  from  the  profession. 


k.aj»i*:a>*k:i,v,  wince  isoo. 

About  the  commencement  of  the  year  1800,  a  differ- 
ent class  of  people,  bringing  different  customs  and 
characteristics,  began  to  disturb  the  quiet  repose  which 
the  happy  people  of  Kaskaskia  had  enjoyed  for  nearly 
one  hundred  years,  and  a  rapid  transition  from  a  French 
to  an  American  city  was  commenced.  At  that  time  it 
was  essentially  a  French  village,  with  all  their  peculiar 
customs.  The  French  style  of  architecture  had  been 
adopted  and  preserved  in  the  erection  of  their  buildings, 
and  though  there  were  some  fine  and  elegantly  fur- 
nished houses,  an  altitude  of  one  story  was  as  high  as 
they  ever  rose.  The  only  brick  house  in  the  place  had 
been  standing  for  fifty  years  or  more,  and  at  the  time 
it  was  built,  it  was  the  only  brick  house  west  of  Pitts- 
burg. The  brick  of  which  its  walls  were  made  were 
brought  from  Pittsburg  in  flatboats.  It  is  still  stand- 
ing— ;xn  interesting  relic  of  Kaskaskia's  former  days. 

A  new  order  of  things  was  inaugurated  by  the  new 
class  of  citizens,  and  the  place  began  to  experience  the 
symptoms  of  those  convulsions  in  which  " junction 
cities"  spring  into  existence.  General  Edgar  erected  a 
large  dwelling,  and  furnished  it  in  grand  style.  The 
ruins  of  this  building  still  remain — the  posts  and  the 
chimney  are  standing — the  more  interesting  as  a  relic 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  47 

of  days  gone  by,  because  it  was  the  house  in  whose 
spacious  parlors  General  La  Fayette  was  entertained 
when  he  visited  Kaskaskia,  in  1824.  William  Mor- 
rison, also,  erected  a  large  stone  mansion,  where  he  dis- 
played hospitality  in  a  princely  style.  The  walls  of  this 
building  are  still  standing,  cracked  and  shaken,  however. 
It,  too,  is  interesting,  because  the  complimentary  ball  to 
General  LaFayette  was  given  in  its  richly  furnished 
parlors. 

In  1809,  when  Illinois  Territory  was  organized,  Kas- 
kaskia became  the  scat  of  Government — the  Governor 
and  Secretary  resided  there,  and  brought  all  the  con- 
comitants of  municipal  regulations.  The  first  session 
of  the  Territorial  Legislature  convened  in  Kaskaskia, 
on  the  25th  day  of  November,  1812,  and  continued  to 
hold  its  sessions  there  until  the.  capital  was  located  at 
Vandalia.  Kaskaskia  was,  and  had  been  since  the 
year  1795,  the  county  seat  of  Randolph  County;  where 
the  courts  were  held,  from  the  Supreme  down  to  the 
Justices. 

The  first  newspaper  in  Illinois  was  established  in 
1809,  by  Mathew  Duncan,  from  Kentucky.  lie  con. 
ducted  it  until  1815,  when  it  was  purchased  by  Robert 
Blackwell  and  Daniel  P.  Cook.  During  its  exist- 
ence its  columns  were  edited  by  many  persons  who 
have  become  distinguished  lawyers  and  statesmen — 
Judge  Breese  is  one  of  them. 

During  the  period  of  ten  years,  from  1810  to  1820, 
Kaskaskia  was  the  rendezvous  of  an  immense  floating 
population,  which  gave  it  the  air  of  a  bee-hive.  Every 
emigrant  to  the  Territory  directed  his  course  to  it  as 
the  point  from  which  to  explore  the  country  and  select 
locations.  A  census  taken  then  showed  the  population 
to  be  seven  thousand  and  some  hundreds. 


48  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

About  1820  other  towns  began  to  spring  up  and 
claim  attention.  The  confusion,  bustle  and  storm 
raised  by  the  swarming  emigrants  in  Kaskaskia,  began 
to  die  away,  leaving  the  village  to  gradually  and  quietly 
resume  its  original  character. 


THE    CONVENT. 

Jn  1832  the  Sisters  of  the  Visitation  came  to  Kaskas- 
kia, and  commenced  the  erection  of  a  Convent.  By  the 
assistance  of  Col.  Menard  the  enterprise  promised  a 
success,  and  early  in  1833  the  foundation  of  the  struc- 
ture was  laid.  The  main  building  is  one  hundred  and 
ten  feet  long,  thirty -two  feet  wide,  and  four  stories  high. 
The  wing,  two  stories  high,  runs  back  one  hundred  and 
fifty  feet.  It  was  completed  and  opened  for  the  recep- 
tion of  pupils  in  1830,  and  continued  a  flourishing  in- 
stitution until  1844.  The  building  cost  §30,000  and 
was  the  largest  of  its  class  in  the  West,  at  the  time  of 
its  erection. 

The  err  eat  flood  of  1844  so  damaged  the  building  and 
the  prospects  of  the  institution  that  it  was  abandoned 
by  the  Sisters.  Since  then  it  has  been  yielding  to  the 
wear  and  waste  of  time,  and  must  soon  pass  into  ruins. 
It  is  a  stately  though  crumbling  monument  of  the 
christian  enterprise  of  these  pious  and  holy  women. 
They  came  from  Georgetown,  D.  C,  and  during  their 
stay  in  Kaskaskia  two  of  them  died.  The  others — four 
in  number — went  to  St.  Louis,  where  they  have  a  pop- 
ular institution. 

The  flood  of  1844 — the  most  destructive  that  has 
occurred  since  the  Mississippi  river  has  been  known — 
blighted  the  prospects  of  Kaskaskia,  as  it  did  those  of 


OF   RANDOLPH   COUNTY.  49 

every  place  in  the  river  bottom.  1  is  commercial  impor- 
tance was  destroyed,  and  all  that,  which  gives  life  and 
vigor  to  a  place  was  paralyzed.  Many  of  the  houses 
were  twisted  and  racked  upon  their  foundations.  The 
damage  to  property  was  incalculable. 

Again,  in  1851,  the  bottom  was  inundated,  and  though 
the  water  did  not  reach  the  higher  localities,  its  effects 
were  damaging  in  destroying  the  crops  of  the  vicinity, 
upon  which  the  trade  and  life  of  the  town  were  depen- 
dent. And  again,  in  1857,  the  waters  covered  the  bot- 
tom, visiting  destruction  upon  the  crops  and  property 
of  the  Kaskaskia  people.  These  floods  have  left  their 
impress  deeply  marked  upon  the  once  beautiful  cottages 
of  the  village,  and  but  for  a  few  buildings  that  have 
been  repaired  and  improved  by  the  more  enterprising 
citizens,  it  would  seem  that  the  work  of  decay  and  ruin 
had  commenced;  but  it  may  be  a  century  hence  ere 
another  flood  shall  come,  in  which  time  the  place  may 
fully  recover  from  the  shocks  it  has  received. 

But  whatever  may  be  the  fate  which  destiny  has  fixed 
— whether  it  shall  rise  again  to  eclipse  its  former  great- 
ness, or  whether  it  shall  pass  into  ruins  like  Troy  and 
Babylon — it  will  ever  claim  an  important  place  in  the 
annals  of  this  country.  The  past,  at  least,  is  secure. 
It  can  never  pass  into  oblivion  while  the  history  of 
America  remains.  All  that  which  imparts,  interest  and 
fascination  to  historic  recollections  is  found  in  its  records 
and  traditions.  With  an  existence  stretching  back 
into  the  darkness  of  an  unexplored  wilderness,  its  his- 
tory blends  the  wild  romance  of  Indian  life  with  the 
thrilling  adventures  of  the  French  pioneers ;  their  life, 
exploits  and  gayeties,  for  nearly  one  hundred  years; 
the  pious  labors  of  the  Jesuit  missionaries  among  the 
untamed   savages;    the   founding   of  the   first  parish 


5U  HISTORICAL  SKCTCIIKtS 

church  in  America;  the  military  exploits  of  the  English 
in  1755;  the  transfer  of  the  country  from  France  to 
England;  the  extraordinary  campaign  of  Col.  Clark; 
and  the  6eries  of  events  by  which  the  State  Government 
of  Illinois  was  brought  into  existence. 


In  these  sketches,  a  superficial  outline  is  all  that  has 
been  attempted.  The  student  of  history  may  form 
some  conception  of  the  prolific  fountains,  whose  sources 
only  have  been  pointed  out. 


KOllT  GJ-_-VGm;. 

During  the  time  of  the  Chickasaw  war,  in  1886,  a 
Fort  was  built  upon  the  high  hill  on  the  eastern  side 
of  the  Kaskaskia,  opposite  the  town.'  Of  its  dimensions 
and  the  materials  of  which  it  was  constructed,  nothing 
is  now  definitely  known.  Tradition  alone  is  the  author- 
ity for  the  fact  of  its  erection  at  that  period.  It  was 
repaired  in  1750,  and  occupied  by  a  French  garrison 
during  the  "Old  French  War."  From  this  time  the 
bluff  on  which  it  stood  has  borne  the  name  of  "  Garrison 
Hill."  This  old  structure  was  destroyed  by  fire  in 
1766,  and  another  Fort  upon  the  same  spot  was  soon 
afterwards  erected  by  the  English.  This  new  struc- 
ture was  built  of  immense  square  timbers,  and  was  two 
hundred  and  ninty  feet  long  and  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
one  feet  wide.  Within  the  main  building  was  a  maga- 
zine constructed  of  stone,  a  commandant's  chamber, 
and  some  smaller  houses.  When  Fort  Chartres  was 
abandoned  in  1772,  the  Governor  and  the  British  gar- 
rison moved  to,  and  occupied  "  Fort  Gage" — the  Fort 


OP  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  51 

having  received  that  appellation  in  honor  of  General 
Gage,  the  then  British  Commander-in-chief.  At  the 
time  Col.  Clark  besieged  and  took  the  Fort,  in  1778, 
it  was  occupied  by  a  garrison  of  twonty  soldiors,  under 
the  command  of  Governor  Rocheblave,  and  strongly 
guarded  by  four  cannons.  It  was  then  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  British  government  in  the  West,  and  con- 
tained the  records  of  the  Territory  from  the  time  the 
English  took  possession,  in  17G3.  When  the  governor 
was  taken  prisoner  in  his  private  chamber  in  the  Fort, 
his  wife,  with  a  solicitude  that  never  deserts  a  woman 
in  the  moment  of  peril,  concealed  or  destroyed  the 
archives,  so  that  the  land  grants  and  other  valuable 
documents  of  that  period,  have  been  lost. 

Col.  Clark  occupied  the  Fort  while  he  remained,  and 
after  he  left  the  country  and  the  war  ceased,  it  was  de- 
serted, and  remained  without  an  occupant  until  1801  > 
when  Col.  Pike's  regiment  occupied  it  for  a  short  time. 
From  this  date  it  began  to  decay,  and  its  walls  soon 
crumbled  and  fell  to  the  ground.  It  is  now  an  obscure 
ruin.  The  traces  of  the  walls  are  faintly  visible.  The 
outlines  of  the  magazine,  and  the  breastworks  thrown  up 
during  the  time  of  the  Revolution,  may  yet  be  seen. 


RILEY'S    MILL. 

Some  most  deeply  interesting  historical  recollections 
cluster  around  the  place,  known  in  modern  days  by 
the  name  of  "Riley's  Mill,"  situated  on  the  eastern  sido 
of  Kaskaskia.  For  aught  that  is  now  known  to  the 
contrary,  the  first  mill  that  was  erected  in  Illinois  may 
have  stood  upon  this  mill  site;  for  the  time  previous  to 
the  building  of  a  mill  there  has  passed  from  the  tradi- 


52  HISTORICAL  8KSTCHE8 

tions  of  Kaakaskia.  Certain  it  is,  however,  that  a  mill 
was  standing  there  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago. 
According  to  the  title  records;  now  in  possession  of  Mr. 
Riley,  the  name  of  him  that  owned  the  mill  at  that 
period  was  Prix  Paot.  [This  name  is  somewhat  con- 
founded with  that  of  Paget,  and  as  the  French  pro- 
nounce both  names  the  same,  it  is  probable  that  it  is 
the  same  name,  though  spelled  differently.  Peck  and 
Reynolds  both  employ  Peget,  in  reference  to  this  mil- 
ler, but  the  name  in  the  deed  of  conveyance  which  Mr. 
Riley  holds,  is  spelled  Pagi.]  He  erected  a  stone 
building,  and  manufactured  flour  for  the  New  Orleans 
and  Mobile  markets.  How  long  he  continued  to  run 
the  mill  is  not  known,  but  he  lost  his  life  in  one  of 
those  tragic  scenes  common  to  Indian  barbarity.  One 
day  while  superintending  the  operations  of  the  mill,  the 
premises  were  attacked  by  a  band  of  Kickapoo  Indians, 
and  he  was  murdered  in  a  most  shocking  manner. 
When  the  attack  was  made  upon  the  mill,  a  negro  es- 
caped by  a  back  way,  fled  to  the  town  and  gave  the 
alarm.  Tho  people  came  and  found  the  body  of  Pagi 
upon  the  floor  mangled  and  cut  to  pieces.  Tho  head 
was  severed  from  tho  body,  scalped,  and  thrown  into 
the  hopper. 

After  the  death  of  Pagi,  the  mill  was  abandoned, 
and  became  a  ruin — the  walls  only  remaining.  About 
the  year  1705,  General  Edgar  purchased  the  tract  of 
land  and  rebuilt  the  mill.  The  mill-pond,  situated 
about  three  hundred  yards  distant  from  tho  mill,  was 
made  by  nature,  and  apparently  designed  for  the  pur- 
pose. It  covers  an  area  of  about  forty  acres,  and  is 
surrounded  by  an  irregular  range  of  hills,  with  an  outlet 
for  the  water  on  the  side  towards  the  mill,  about  three 
hundred    feet  wide.      An  embankment,   or  dam.  was 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  •*>$ 

mado  across  this  outlet,  and  the  water  forced  to  pass 
through  an  arched  culvert,  at  the  end  of  which  is  a  gate 
to  regulate  the  passage  of  the  water.  During  the  inter- 
val in  which  the  mill  ceased  to  run,  this  dam  wan 
almost  destroyed  by  the  wear  of  the  floods,  but  it  was 
repaired  by  General  Edgar,  and  made  more  substantial 
than  before.  At  the  time  these  repairs  were  made,  Mrs. 
Edgar,  and  "  Dice,"  a  negrcss  belonging  to  the  family, 
planted  some  little  cotton- wood  cions  in  the  mellow  dirt, 
which  have  grown  to  be  stately  trees.  The  regular 
order  in  which  these  trees  are  standing  upon  that  em- 
bankment has  prompted  many  a  curious  conjecture. 
Strangers  visiting  the  ground  are  apt  to  notice  this 
regularity. 

Gen.  Edgar  kept  the  mill  in  operation  for  many 
years,  and  the  pioneers,  as  they  came  to  the  country  .and 
settled  in  different  parts  of  the  county,  resorted  to  U 
to  have  their  milling  done.  A  few  of  those  relic9  of 
early  days  are  still  remaining,  and  they  retain  vivid 
recollections  of  the  days  when  they  rode  astride  a 
horse,  with  a  sack  containing  two  bushels  of  corn  for  a 
saddle,  a  distance  of  ten  or  fifteen  miles,  to  "  Edgar's 
Mill,"  and  waited  and  fished  in  the  mill-pond  until  their 
"turn"  was  ground.  Waiting  for  "turns"  was  an 
interesting  epoch  for  boys  whose  sociable  disposition 
found  but  few  opportunities  for  exercise  in  their  iso- 
lated homes.  Many  a  happy  hour  has  been  whiled 
away  around  that  old  mill,  by  the  boys  who  congre- 
gated there  from  the  different  settlements.  "Mill 
boys"  did  not  require  the  formalities  of  an  introduc- 
tion before  they  joined  in  a  game  of  marbles  or  bat.  It 
was  a  privilege  to  go  to  mill,  and  the  longer  they  had 
to  wait  the  better  it  pleased  them.  With  men  it  was 
different.  They  were  always  in  a  hurry,  and  jealous  of 
*5 


-54  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

their  rights.  If  one  was  ever  cheated  out  of  his  "torn," 
which  sometimes  happened,  a  fight  was  the  result. 
But  these  happy  days  for  the  hoys,  and  hours  of  ner- 
vous anxioty  for  the  men,  have  passed  away. 

The  mill  ceased  to  operate  again  while  yet  in  the 
hands  of  General  Edgar,  and  remained  still  for  several 
years.  In  1832,  it  was  purchased  by  Messrs.  Feaman 
&  Co.  It  was  again  repaired  and  put  in  good  business 
order.  This  company  conducted  it  for  some  years, 
when  it  again  changed  hands. 

It  came  into  the  possession  of  the  present  enterpris- 
ing proprietor,  Mr.  Daniel  Riley,  in  1842.  Formerly, 
the  water  was  conveyed  to  the  wheel  through  hollov.- 
logs.  Since  Mr.  Riley  has  had  it,  he  has  constructed 
a  substantial  frame  work  for  this  conveyance,  and  ha- 
made  such  other  improvements  as  prevents  the  waste 
of  water,  and  secures  a  sufficient  quantity  to  keep  the 
mill  running,  with  about  fourteen  horse  power,  during 
nearly  the  whole  season.  The  wheel  is  an  over-shot, 
and  no  more  water  is  allowed  to  escape  from  the  pond 
than  is  necossary  to  drive  the  machinery. 

Such  is  a  history  of  this  ancient  mill.  All  that  now 
remains  of  tho  original  structure  is  the  northeast  cor- 
ner. This  part  of  the  building  has  stood  through  all 
the  changes  of  its  eventful  existence,  and  its  perma- 
nence would  indicate  that  it  may  defy  the  corrosive 
attrition  of  another  century. 

A  short  distance  in  front  of  the  mill  stands  a  beauti- 
ful little  mound,  called  "  Mound  Isabella,"  named  in 
honor  of  Mrs.  Edoar.  Some  fruit  trees,  planted  by  her 
and  "aunt  Dick,''  are  still  growing  upon  this  mound. 
This  negro  woman  was  the  house  servant  of  Mrs. 
Bdoae.  She  died  three  years  ago,  having  livod  one 
hum  I  red  years. 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY  55 

A  spring  of  pure  cool  water  gushes  out  of  the  sido 
of  the  bluff,  closo  to  the  place  where  Mr.  Riley's  store- 
house is  now  located,  whose  clear  stream  has  slaked  the 
thirst  of  those  who  brought  the  germ  of  civilization  to 
the  Western  world.  A  former  age  may  claim  it,  and 
the  associations  of  antiquity  may  cluster  around  it,  but 
its  waters  are  as  fresh  and  pure  to-day  as  when  the 
first  white  man  drank  from  its  pebbly  urn. 

Mr.  Riley  established  a  store  a  few  years  ago  close 
to  his  mill,  and  he  has  brought  around  him  a  very  brisk 
and  remunerative  trade.  In  1855,  finding  the  capacity 
of  the  old  mill  inadequate  to  the  demands  of  an 
increased  population  and  the  increased  growth  of 
wheat,  he  commenced  the  erection  of  a  steam-mill 
which  has  since  gone  into  operation.  Both  mills  may 
be  kept  running  most  of  the  year  by  the  water  of  tho 
pond  above  described. 


FORT    CHARTRIW*. 

Under  the  patronage  of  the  Company  of  tho  West, 
and  bearing  a  charter  from  the  crown  of  France,  M. 
Pierre  Duque  Baisbriant,  the  representative  of  the 
government,  and  Marc  Antoine  de  la  Soirk  Dk  Ur_ 
sins,  the  principal  Secretary  of  the  Company,  came  to 
Kaskaskia,  in  1717,  with  instructions  to  erect  a  Fort 
which  should  be  made  the  Seat  of  Government  for  the 
Illinois  country. 

The  site  selected  was  in  the  American  Bottom,  one 
mile  distant  from  the  Mississippi  river,  and  about  three 
miles  from  the  eastern  range  of  bluffs,  in  tho  northwest 
corner  of  the  present  limits  of  Randolph  County.  The 
work  was  commenced  in  1717,  and  the  Fort,  completed 


50  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

in  two  years.  It  was  called-"  Fort  des  ^hnrtres,"  for 
the  reason  that  its  erection  was  authorized  by  a  charter 
from  Louis  XIV,  King  of  France.  It  was  built  of 
timber,  of  ample  dimensions  for  the  orection  within  of 
a  building  to  accommodate  the  Executive  of  the  Terri- 
tory, one  for  the  garrison,  a  magazine,  and  some  others. 
The  Fort  was  surrounded  with  a  strong  palisade,  con- 
structed of  such  immense  timbers,  and  finished  so  sub- 
stantially, as  to  be  almost  impregnable  to  the  assaults  of 
any  implements  of  war  known  to  those  early  days. 

It  was  designed  for  the  purpose,  and  became  the  seat 
of  government  for  Illinois.  It  was  the  headquarters 
of  the  French  officers  while  the  country  remained  in 
possession  of  France.  The  celebrated  Francois  Re- 
nault resided  here,  and  directed  his  extensive  mining 
operations.  Baisbriant  and  Ursins  were  vested  with 
the  power  of  making  grants  of  land.  Some  of  their 
records  are  now  in  the  Recorder's  office  of  this  county. 
For  a  time,  Fort  Chartres  became  the  centre  of  busi- 
ness, fashion,  and  gayety. 

The  Company  of  the  West  was  dissolved  in  1730, 
and  D'Artaquette  was  appointed  Governor.  In  1736, 
when  the  Chickasaw  war  commenced,  Governor  Bien- 
ville, of  Louisiana,  called  upon  the  Governor  of  Illi- 
nois for  all  the  troops  he  could  raise.  Exerting  his  in- 
fluence with  the  chiefs  of  the  Indian  tribes  west  of 
Lake  Michigan,  he  collected  about  one  thousand  war- 
riors at  Fort  Chartres.  The  gallant  Vincennes,  of  the 
Wabash  country,  united  his  forces  with  D'Artaciette. 
All  the  French  soldiers  that  could  be  raised  were 
rendezvoused  at  the  Fort.  Preparations  for  the  expe- 
dition to  meet  Bienville  in  the  South,  were  hastily 
made,  and  the  whole  army  departed  from  Fort  Char- 
tres down  the  Mississippi. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  57 

The  unfortunate  fate  of  the  brave  and  chivalrous 
D'Artaguette  and  Vincennes  has  been  related.  La 
Buissoniere  succeeded  to  the  Governorship  of  Illinois. 
In  1739,  a  further  requisition  was  made  upon  him  for 
troops.  Ho  collected  about  two  hundred  French  sol- 
diers, and  three  hundred  Indian  warriors,  and  sailed 
from  Fort  Chartres  down  the  Mississippi,  to  join  Ihe 
Southern  army. 

In  1751,  the  Chevalier  McCauty  became  Governor  of 
Illinois,  and  arrived  at  Fort  Chartres  in  August,  with 
troops  to  reinforce  the  Fort.  As  war  at  that  time  was 
raging  between  France  and  England,  and  threatening 
to  disturb  the  Western  country,  it  was  decided  to 
rebuild  and  improve  the  Fort.  This  time  it  was  built 
of  durable  limestone,  quarried  in  the  bluff  three  miles 
distant,  boated  across  an  intervening  lake,  and  carted 
to  the  Fort.  The  plan  of  the  new  structure  was  differ- 
ent from  the  old  one,  and  much  larger.  It  was  an 
irregular  square,  or  quadrangle.  The  exterior  sides 
were  four  hundred  and  ninety-feet,  and,  therefore,  the 
main  building  covered  an  area  of  five  acres  and  a  frac- 
tion. The  walls  were  two  feet  two  inches  thick,  and 
pierced  with  loop-holes  at  regular  distances,  and  two 
port-holes  in  the  faces,  and  two  in  the  flanks  of  each 
bastion  for  cannon.  A  banquette  around  the  interior 
side  of  the  wall  was  raised  three  feet  high  for  the  sol- 
diers to  stand  upon  when  they  fired  from  behind  the 
parapets.  Within  the  square  of  the  main  building  were 
erected  a  Commandant's  and  Commissary's  house ;  a 
magazine  for  stores,  and  two  barracks.  In  the  gorges 
of  the  bastions  were  the  powder-magazine,  a  bake- 
house, and  a  prison.  On  the  lower  floor  of  the  prison 
were  four  dungeons. 

The  commandant's  house  was  ninety-six  feet  long, 


58  HISTORICAL  8KETCHK.8 

and  thirty  foot  wide.  It  contained  a  parlor,  dining- 
room,  bed-chambor,  kitchen,  one  small  room,  five  closets 
for  servants,  and  a  cellar.  The  commissary's  houso 
was  precisely  similar  to  the  one  just  described.  Oppo- 
site these  was  the  storehouse,  ninety  feet  long  and 
twenty-four  wide.  It  contained  two  largo  store-rooms, 
a  parlor,  chapel,  an  officers'  guard-room,  a  closet  for  the 
storekeeper,  and  bed-chamber.  Beneath  the  storehouse 
was. a  vaulted  cellar.  Tho  barracks  were  each  twenty 
feet  square,  and  each  contained  two  rooms  for  officers 
and  three  for  soldiers.  Over  each  building  spacious 
lofts  extended  from  end  to  end,  and  were  used  for 
storing  regimental  stores  and  entrenching  tools.  Capt. 
Pitman,  an  engineer  belonging  to  tho  British  army, 
visited  Fort  Chartrcs  about  the  year  1768,  and  gave  it 
as  his  opinion  that  it  was  the  strongest  and  most  con- 
veniently arranged  fortification  on  the  North  American 
Continent. 

When  the  English  took  possession  of  the  eountry  in 
1765,  (the  cession  was  made  in  1708.)  Fort  Chartrcs 
w;is  made  the  Seat  of  Government,  and  a  small  garrison 
stationed  there.  Capt.  Stirling  formally  took  posses- 
sion of  the  eountry  on  arriving  at  Port  Chartrcs,  by 
issuing  a  proclamation  in  the  name  of  "His  Britanie 
.Majesty."  signed  by  Thomas  (Iaok,  then  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  British  army  in  the  Colonies.  Capt. 
Stirling  died  in  six  months  after  his  arrival.  He  was 
succeeded  first  by  Major  Fraziku,  then  by  Col.  Rkki>, 
then  by  Col.  Wii.kins,  each  of  whom  made  their  resi- 
dence at  the   Port. 

When  the  Fort  was  first  built,  in  1718-10,  it  stood 
about  one  mile  distant  from  the  river.  In  1724,  a  great 
freshet  overflowed  the  river  bottom,  and  washed  away 
some  of  the  bank  in   front  of  the  Fort.     The  margin  of 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  59 

the  Mississippi,  made  by  alluvial  soil,  is  ever  changing. 
In  1756,  the  river  bank  was  half  a  mile  from  the  Fort. 
A  6hort  time  before  Capt.  Pitman's  visit,  in  17G8,  a  sand 
bar  was  formed  in  the  river,  and  directed  the  current 
against  the  bank  nearest  the  Fort,  which  wore  it  away 
rapidly.  Two  years  afterwards  the  river  had  approach- 
ed so  near  as  to  alarm  the  officers  about  to  the  safety  of 
their  magnificent  Fortress.  In  1772,  another  freshet 
inundated  the  river  bottom,  and  undermined  the  west- 
ern wall  of  the  Fort.  The  balance  of  the  structure 
was  greatly  injured.  It  was  abandoned,  and  the  Seat  of 
Government  established  at  Fort  Gage,  upon  the  summit 
of  Garrison  Hill,  far  above  the  reach  of  floods. 

Fort  Chartres  was  thought  to  be  the  Gibraltar  of 
America,  but  the  turbulent  current  of  the  Mississippi, 
more  powerful  than  armies  and  navies,  worked  its 
downfall.  It  crumbled  and  wasted  rapidly.  It  was 
deserted,  and  the  demolishing  elements  played  familiar 
with  its  crumbling  walls.  In  182U  the  southeast  angle 
was  still  remaining.  The  traces  of  the  front  Mall  were 
completely  gone,  and  the  northeast  sections  were  in 
ruins.  From  this  period  the  process  of  demolition  and 
dilapidation  was  rapid.  Much  of  the  stone  was  taken 
away,  and  used  for  building  material  in  other  places 
It  was  soon  a  heap  of  mouldering  ruins,  and  the  fata 
of  Palmyra,  Persepolis  and  Balbec,  is  suggested  to  the 
visitor,  as  he  beholds  its  remaining  vestiges,  slumbering 
in  the  midst  of  a  forest.  Trees  of  stately  growth  and 
clinging  vines  are  growing  upon  its  foundations.  The 
river  has  retreated,  and  is  a  mile  distant  from  the  ruins 
Upon  the  intervening  land,  which  is  in  the  very  place 
where  the  mighty  volumo  of  the  Mississippi's  sullen 
waters  swept  along  eighty  years  ago,  there  is  a  heavy, 
dense  growth  of  timber. 


60  HISTORICAL    SKETCH  t!« 


l^E&ufVUtl'lB    DU    UOCUEKi 

The  town  of  Prairio  du  Roehor  was  i'oundcd  about 
the  year  1722 — one  hundred  and  thirty-seven  years  ago. 
About  thuo  time  a  few  French  families  gathered  to- 
gether and  formed  the  nucleus  for  the  town.  Others 
coming  to  the  country,  cast  their  lot  with  them,  and  a 
flourishing  little  village  was  started.  Tho  strongest 
inducements  it  could  hold  out  to  emigrants,  was  its 
secluded  situation  and  romantic  scenery.  It  stood  at 
the  foot  of  the  Mississippi  bluffs — whose  picturesque 
grandeur  is  unsurpassed  by  any  range  along  that  great 
river — fourteen  miles  from  Kaskaskia,  and  three  miles 
from  Fort  Chartres.  Though  it  never  attained  that 
degree  of  importance  which  marked  the  prosperity  of 
its  cotemporaneous  rivals,  yet  it  acquired,  in  an  early 
day,  ail  the  concomitants  of  a  healthy,  vigorous  town 
The  evidences  of  water-mills  in  its  vicinity,  erectcc 
there  in  a  very  early  period  of  its  existence,  may  yet 
be  seen,  and  the  vestiges  of  stone  buildings  in  the  town, 
evidently  the  work  of  wealth  and  enterprise,  are  yel 
visible. 

In  the  vicinity  of  the  town  were  many  natural  objects 
of  curiosity,  to  attract  the  attention  of  those  who  had 
a  taste  tor  the  wonderful,  and  probably  from  this  cause 
many  were  induced  to  locate  in  that  place.  The  natu- 
ral mill  Bite  situated  in  a  ravine  which  abruptly  breaks 
the  range  of  rocky  blufts  that  overlooks  the  town,  was 
something  to  attract  wonder  and  admiration,  as  well 
as  to  furnish  to  some  enterprising  capitalist  the  advan- 
tages of  a  saw  mill  more  than  half  constructed.  The 
range  of  bluffs  on  one  side  of  thib  break,  following  th< 
course  of  the   ravine,  describes  an   arc.  and  a  natural 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  61 

ridge  starting  from  a  point  of  the  bluff  on  the  opposito 
side  of  the  ravine,  marks  the  diameter  of  the  circle,  and 
reaches  within  two  hundred  feet  of  the  bluff  on  the 
other  side.  This  ridge  was  finished  out  by  artificial 
means  in  the  days  of  the  Jesuits,  and  gave  a  fall  of 
near  twenty  feet  to  the  water  where  it,  dammed  the 
ravine.  The~  area  of  the  mill-pond  is  about  two  hun- 
dred acres,  and  the  stream  of  water  coming  through 
the  bluffs  is  fed  by  never  failing  springs. 

There  is  a  spring  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  bluffs,  one 
mile  above  the  town,  which  gushes  out  at  the  base  of  a 
perpendicular  rock,  towering  up  two  hundred  feet  high, 
and  sends  forth  an  immense  volume.  Form ei-ly*" the 
-aperture  through  which  the  water  rose  was  about  six 
feet  in  diameter,  and  its  depth  could  not  be  fathomed. 
Latterly,  it  has  been  nearly  filled  with  sticks  and 
stones  by  wanton  hands.  The  crystal  purity  of  this 
Spring  would  suggest  that  it  might  have  been  the  foun- 
tain so  eagerly  sought  by  the  Spanish  explorers  of  this 
Continent,  which  they  supposed  to  possess  properties 
that  would  give  immortality  to  youthful  vigor. 

A  cave  in  the  side  of  the  bluff  not  far  distant  from 
the  spring,  is  another  object  of  curious  interest.  The 
entrance  to  the  cavern  is  about  sixty  feet  high  from  the 
base  of  the  rock;  is  almost  round,  and  about  six  feet  in 
diameter.  Its  interior  chambers  have  been  explored 
somewhat,  but  nothing  is  known  of  their  dimensions. 
There  is  a  legend  which  relates  that  at  one  time  the 
Spaniards  hid  valuable  treasures  in  the  cave.  Many 
an  avaricious  spirit  has  searched  and  shoveled  in  vain 
for  the  possession  of  those  treasures,  and  the  same  in- 
ducement to  search  remains. 

The  Common  Field,  and  Commons  of  Prairie  du  Ro- 
cher  were  granted  to  the  village  in  the  year  1730,  bv 
6 


62  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

Jean  Baptiste  St.  Therse,  nephew  of  Baisbriant, 
Governor  of  Louisiana,  who  obtained  the  title  from  the 
Royal  Company  of  the  Indies.  The  church  property 
was  obtained  from  the  same  BOOrcc,  and  the  church  was 
erected  in  the  year  1734.  The. same  building  is  still 
standing,  and  forms  one  of  the  most  interesting  relics 
of  former  years  to  be  found  about  the  village.  It  was 
constructed  in  the  French  style  of  architecture,  by 
driving  cedar  posts  into  the  ground,  and  tilling  the 
space  between  them  with  stone  and  mortar.  For  a 
period  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  years  it  has 
stood  against  storm  and  flood,  and  its  walls  have  echoed 
the  pious  articulations  of  many  holy  men,  who  have 
long  since  passed  to  the  realms  of  a  brighter  existence. 
Within  its  portals  have  been  christened  the  infants  of 
three  successive  generations,  and  the  marriage  vows 
of  the  parish  people  in  all  that  time  have  been  heard 
at  its  sacred  altar.  But  mutation  has  been  written 
upon  it  as  surely  as  it  was  upon  the  minarets  of  an- 
cient Nincvah.  Though  the  rites  of  the  church  arc 
yet  performed  within  its  ancient  portals,  the  time-worn 
walls  are  yielding  to  the  pressure  of  the  roof,  and  must 
ere  long  fall  to  the  ground.  Preparations  have  already 
commenced  for  the  erection  of  a  new  One,  which  will 
con trasfc  strikingly  with  the  rude  structure  of  the  old 
one. 

Among  the  earliest  of  the  French  settlers  in  Prairie 
dn  Rocher,  appear  the  names  of  Etenne  Langlois, 
Jean  Baptiste  Blais,  Jean  Baptiste  Barbeau,  An- 
toine  Louvier, LaCompte,  and  some  others. 

Etenne  Langlois  came  from  Canada,  and  devoted 
himself  to  farming.  He  became  a  very  influential  man 
in  the  community,  and  left  a  very  respectable  farffily. 
His  oldest  son,  Etenne,  was  a  wheel-wright,  and  a  very 


OP   RANDOLPH   COUNTY.  63 

useful  man  in  the  town.  He  left  three  sons — Etennb, 
Charles,  and  William.  Charles  is  now  living  about 
four  miles  west  of  Prairie  du  Rocher.  The  other  two 
died  several  years  ago. 

Franqois  was  the  second  son  of  the  first  Langlois, 
and  the  father  of  Jerard,  Ant oine,  Francois,  Michael, 
and  Benjamin,  who  were  conspicuous  members  of  that 
community  forty  years  ago  and  later.  Francois  Lang- 
lois, now  living  about  five  miles  east  of  the  town,  is 
the  son  of  Jerard.     The  family  is  very  numerous. 

Jean  Batiste  Blais  Avas  the  germ  of  that  respecta- 
ble fanlily.  He  devoted  himself  to  the  quiet  pursuit  of 
farming,  and  was  a  leading  man  in  the  village.  He 
reached  an  extreme  old  age,  and  died  in  the  year  1783, 
leaving  four  sons — Antoine,  Joseph,  Charles,  and 
Louis — the  latter  died  in  early  life.  The  others  were 
industrious,  respectable  citizens.  Joseph  and  Antoine 
died  in  1823  ;  Charles  in  1831.  Antoine  Blais,  who 
is  now  merchandising  in  Praire  du  Rocher,  and  Expe- 
dient, his  brother,  living  seven  miles  east  of  the  town, 
are  sons  of  Antoine,  and  grandsons  of  Jean  Baptiste 
Joseph. 

Jean  Baptiste  Barbeau  was  another  of  the  first  em- 
igrants from  Canada,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  Prairie 
du  Rocher.  He  was  the  father  of  the  respectable  fam- 
ily bearing  his  name,  who  have  always  held  a  promi- 
inent  position  in  that  community.  His  sons  were 
Andrew,  Antoine,  Baptiste  and  Henry,  all  of  whom 
are  dead.  Their  descendents  are  numerous.  Andrew, 
the  oldest  son,  reached  an  extreme  old  age,  and  died 
suddenly,  while  walking  upon  the  bluffs,  a  few  months 
ago.  Mr.  Cole  and  Mr.  Crane,  of  St.  Louis,  both  mar- 
ried daughters  of  Antoine. 

Antoine  Louvier  came  in  early  times  from  Canada, 


64  HISTORICAL  SKETCHE8 

and  engaged  in  farming.  His  son  Antoine  became  a 
very  prominent  man,  and  died  in  1836,  leaving  a  very 
numerous  family,  many  of  whom  are  still  living  in  the 
village 

Damour  Louvikr  was  a  branch  of  tho  same  family, 
and  lived  in  the  town  during  a  long  life. 

A  Mr.  LaCompte  was  one  of  the  first  settlers,  and  died 
about  the  close  of  the  last  century.  He  left  a  son  who 
was  promoted  to  the  post  of  Major  of  the  Militia,  in 
1812,  which  place  he  filled  with  much  popularity.  He 
was  among  the  first  men  of  Prairie  du  Rocher  during 
his  life.  He  has  a  son  now  residing  in  St.  Genivieve, 
Missouri. 

Among  those  who  came  in  later  years  are  the  names 
of  Jean  Baptiste  Du  Clais;  Erny,  Joseph,  Alexis  and 
Isadore  Godair;  Francois  and  Joseph  Tongais;  Joseph 
Champagne;  Joseph  Lamore;  the  Fascair  family  and 
some  others. 

Jean  Baptiste  DuClais  was  a  blacksmith,  and  a 
very  useful  man  to  the  town,  and  the  surrounding 
countrj-.  He  lived  to  be  very  old,  and  died  in  1838. 
He  had  a  son,  Michael,  who  was  an  industrious  farmer. 
He  died  in  1839,  leaving  a  large  family,  many  of  whom 
are  now  living  in  the  town. 

The  Godair  brothers  came  from  Detroit  and  engaged 
in  farming.  They  became  somewhat  distinguished  for 
hunting  adventures.  They  left  a  numerous  desccn- 
dency,  who  are  engaged  in  farming. 

Joseph  Tongais  lived  in  Prairie  du  Rocher  until  his 
death,  in  1S27,  having  spent  an  industrious  life.  His 
brother  Francois  died  in  1827,  leaving  two  sons — Fran- 
cois and  Amade — both  residing  in  Monroe  County. 

Joseph  Champagne  was  a  Canadian,  and  came  to 
Prairie  du  Rocher  about  the  close  of  the  last  century. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  65 

He  was  a  carpenter  by  trade,  and  built  the  mansion  of 
Col.  Menard,  at  the  foot  of  Garrison  Hill,  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Kaskaskia  river.  This  house  is  still  stand- 
ing, but  in  a  state  of  rapid  decay.  Champagne  died  in 
St.  Clair  County,  in  1828. 

Joseph  Lamore  was  a  farmer,  and  died  in  1825,  leav- 
ing no  descendents  about  Prairie  du  Eocher. 

The  Fascair  family  became  numerous,  and  bore  a 
conspicuous  part  in  the  community.  Ambrose,  John 
and  Henry  Kerr,  are  descendants  of  this  family. 

The  history  of  Prairie  du  Eocher  presents  no  marked 
event.  It  was  strictly  a  French  village  for  more  than 
an  hundred  years,  and  the  orderly  inhabitants  quietly 
pursued  their  various  avocations,  enjoying  their  social 
amusements  undisturbed.  They  were  a  happy,  con- 
tented people,  unambitious,  and  careless  of  wealth  or 
distinction.  They  were  free  from  that  strife,  conten- 
tion and  turmoil  which  attends  the  pursuit  of  wealth 
and  political  preferment.  Their  life  was  an  uninter- 
rupted stream  of  quiet,  joyous  happiness. 

About  the  year  1800,  the  first  English  or  American 
settlers  appeared  among  the  people  of  Prairie  du  Eo- 
cher. Archibald  McNab  came  from  Kentucky  and 
established  a  tan-yard — the  first  in  the  place — and  car- 
ried on  that  business  until  1821.  In  that  year  he  died. 
Alexander  McN~ab,  now  living  in  the  town,  is  a  son  of 
of  Archibald. 

About  the  same  timo,  or  probably  as  early  as  1795 
Clement  Drury,  from  Maryland,  came  to  Prairie  du 
Eocher,  and  erected  a  horse-mill.  This  mill  stood  near 
the  present  residence  of  Mr.  Sprigg.  It  did  a  good  bus- 
iness, and  was  ;i  great  benefit  to  the  people  for  many 
years.  Mr.  Drury  died  in  1812,  leaving  four  soys — 
John,  Wim.iam,  Clement,  and  Eaphael.  John  eiiiS*. 
*6 


66  HISTORICAL  8K1TCHB8 

grated  and  settled  in  Missouri.  "William  and  Clement 
located  in  town,  and  died  there  some  years  ago,  leaving 
families.     Raphael  died  in  California. 

Henry  Conner  came  from  Kentucky,  in  1812,  and 
settled  in  the  town.  Two  years  afterwards,  he  was 
.appointed  to  the  office  of  Sheriff.  He  was  Marshal  of 
the  Territory  at  one  time,  and  filled  other  offices.  Ho 
left  three  sons — Barnet,  William,  and  Edward.  Bar- 
net;  IpxKited  in  Monroe  county,  and  died  there  in  1852. 
William  lives  in  Wisconsin.  Edward  located  in  Prai- 
rie du  Rocher,  where  he  died,  leaving  a  family,  which 
still  reside  there. 

In  1814,  Henry  Kerr,  an  Englishman,  came  from 
Boston,  and  established  a  store.  He  continued  in  this 
business  several  years.  Ambrose,  John,,  and  Henry 
Kerr,  before  referred  to,  are  his  sons.  The  two  former 
are  merchandising ;  the  latter  lives  two  miles  from 
town,  and  is  engaged  in  farming. 

In  1824,  the  population  of  Prairie  du  Rocher  was 
about  five  hundred.  In  that  year,  Andrew  Barbeau 
built  a  mill  about  one  mile  below  town.  In  1825,  tho 
town  was  incorpoi'ated,  but  there  appearing  to  be  no 
necessity  for  an  organization,  it  was  abandoned.  In 
1835,  it  was  renewed  again,  but  has  since  ceased  to  ex- 
ist. In  1840,  "William  Henry,  Esq.,  erected  and  put 
In  operation  a  steam-mill  upon  the  same  ground  where 
the  new  mill  of  Brickey  &  Lee  now  stands.  In  1850, 
an  impetus  was  given  to  the  progress  of  the  town, 
since  which  time  it  has  been  improving  rapidly,  and 
promises  a  healthy  and  vigorous  growth. 

The  place  now  contains  one  first  class  flouring  mill ; 
four  dry  goods  stores  ;  two  grocery  stores  ;  two  furni- 
ture stores;  one  saddlery  shop ;  one  tailor  shop;  one 
boot  and  shoe  shop  ;  one  wagon  shop  ;  three  blacksmith 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  67 

shops;  one  wagon  manufactory;  two  carpenter  and 
cabinet  shops ;  two  hotels;  one  church — no  resident 
priest.     Present  population  about  five  hundred. 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY. 


A  special  sketch  having  been  devoted  to  the  leading 
events  which  precede  the  existence  of  Randolph  county, 
and  which  transpired  within  its  limits ;  and,  also,  a 
sketch  of  the  towns  which  have  marked  its  progress, 
but  little  remains  of  its  history  beyond  the  transition 
from  a  wilderness  to  the  high  state  of  prosperous 
development  which  it  now  enjoys,  and  the  arrival  of 
the  pioneers  who  laid  the  foundation  for  that  great 
change. 


1798. — Tradition  has  it  that  when  Col.  Clark  took 
possession  of  the  country,  in  1778,  he  named  the  district 
around  Kaskaskia  "  Randolph  County,"  as  a  compli- 
ment to  Edmund  Randolph,  the  distinguished  States 
man  of  Virginia.  The  limits  of  the  county  were  not 
defined ;  neither  was  there  a  county  organization. 
Upon  the  arrival  of  Governor  St.  Clair,  at  Kaskaskia, 
in  1790,  he  established  St.  Clair  County,  which  em- 
braced all  the  southern  part  of  the  State  below  a  point 
on  the  Illinois  river,  including  the  region  which  Col. 
Clark  had  previously  named  Randolph  County. 

1795. — In  1795,  however,  Randolph  County  was  for- 


68  HI8TORI0AL  SKETCHES 

mally  established,  and  the  machinery  of  local  govern- 
ment put  in  operation.  It  included  all  that  part  of  the 
State  whioh  lies  south  of  a  line  running  upon  the  par- 
allel of  the  New  Design  Settlement,  in  Monroe  county, 
due  east  to  the  Wabash  river. 

At  the  time  the  county  was  organized,  the  area 
which  it  now  includes  was  an  almost  unbroken  wilder- 
ness, interrupted  only  by  the  villages  of  Kaskaskia  and 
Prairie  du  Eocher.  But  the  precursors  of  civilization 
and  refinement  were  on  their  way,  and  the  rays  of  a 
new  era  were  reaching  into  its  wild  woods.  The  story 
of  its  fertile  soil,  its  delightful  and  health-giving  cli- 
mate, and  its  crystal  streams  of  water,  had  gone  to  the 
Atlantic  coast  and  awakened  a  spirit  of  emigration. 
Lured  by  the  accounts  of  a  country  for  which  Nature 
had  done  so  much,  the  pioneers  began  to  drop  in  and 
join  the  scattering  few  who  had  already  located  amidst 
its  darkened  forests.  These  were  a  brave  and  noble  race 
of  men,  and  merit  a  place  in  these  sketches.  They 
opened  the  way  for  the  great  improvement  that  has 
followed,  the  blessings  of  which  are  now  enjoyed  by 
those  inhabiting  the  county.  They,  too,  furnished  the 
materials,  and  with  them  occurred  the  events  which 
impart  all  that  is  interesting  to  the  early  history  of 
Randolph  County. 


SETTLEMENT — AND    PIONEEUS    OF1 
RANDOLPH    COUNTY. 

1780. — A  little  colony  of  pionoers- — some  of  whom 
were  soldiers  under  Col.  Ci.auk — made  a  settlement  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Kaskaskia  river,  three  miles  from 
town,  as  early  as  tne  year  1780.     The  names  of  these 


OF  RANDOLPH   COUNTY  69 

settlers  were  John  Montgomery,  Joseph  Anderson, 
John  Dodge,  John  Doyle,  David  Paqon,  M.  Augustus, 
James  Curry,  and  Levi  Teel.  They  erected  a  few 
rude  cabins,  and  made  small  farms.  John  Montgomery 
located  upon  the  identical  spot  where  Stage  McDon- 
ough  settled  when  he  came  to  the  country  twenty 
years  later.  The  settlement  was  almost  broken  up 
before  the  year  1790. 

These  pioneers  experienced  all  the  incidents  common 
to  frontier  life,  and  encountered  perilous  adventures  of 
a  character  so  thrilling  as  to  assume  the  air  x>f  fiction. 
One  day,  James  Curry  and  Levi  Teel  were  out  hunt- 
ing, and  being  overtaken  by  nightfall,  they  encamped 
in  a  new  house  just  erected  by  David  Pagon,  but  not 
yet  occupied.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  night  the 
house  was  besieged  by  a  band  of  sixteen  Piankashaw 
Indians.  Teel  proposed  to  surrender,  lest  a  worse  fate 
should  befall  them.  To  this  proposition  Curry  reso- 
lutely demurred.  He  was  brave,  even  to  desperation; 
and  knowing  the  house  had  been  built  substantial,  and 
that  the  door  was  strongly  barred,  he  determined  to 
give  battle.  Teel  went  to  the  door,  either  to  open  it, 
or  reconnoitre,  and  while  standing  near  it,  the  Indians 
stuck  a  spear  through  a  hole  in  the  door  into  his  foot, 
which  fastened  him  to  the  floor.  Instinctively  he  seized 
the  spear  to  pull  it  out,  when  another  spear  was  driven 
into  his  hand.  His  heartless  enemies  now  had  him 
fast,  and  they  jagged  and  cut  his  hands  in  a  most  shock- 
ing manner.  Curry,  fearing  lest  Teel  should  open  the 
door,  mounted  the  loft  and  commenced  firing  upon  the 
assailants.  He  fired  three  shots  in  rapid  succession, 
each  time  bringing  a  warrior  to  the  ground.  Still  fear- 
ing  that  Teel  would  open  the  door,  he  descended  to 
the  floor,  and  finding  him  disabled,  he  again  sprang  to 


70  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

the  loft  and  renewed  his  desperate  defense.  Discover- 
ing that  the  Indians  had  huddled  close  against  the  house 
to  avoid  his  destructive  shots,  ho  tumbled  the  weight- 
poles  of  the  roof  dqwn  upon  them,  killing  their  chief, 
and  wounding  some  others.  Tins  intrepid  feat,  and 
the  approach  of  morning  light  drove  the  Indians  from 
the  houso,  leaving  Curry  the  victorious  champion  of 
the  siege.  By  his  fearless  daring  ho  saved  himself  and 
companion  from  Indian  captivity,  and  probably  death 
at  the  stake. 

Curry  was  one  of  Clark's  favorite  soldiers,  and  dis- 
tinguished himself  in  the  capture  of  Forts  Gage  and 
Sackville.  lie  was  foremost  in  every  perilous  enter- 
prise, and  never  quailed  before  danger.  His  life  was 
one  of  thrilling  adventures,  and  fate  doomed  him  to  a 
tragic  end.  In  company  with  Joseph  Anderson,  he 
went  out  hunting  and  never  returned.  The  presence 
of  lurking,  hostilo  savages,  left  no  doubts  about  the 
manner  of  his  death. 

JosEPn  Curry,  now  an  old  man,  living  at  Mr.  Riley's 
Mill,  is  a  grandson  of  the  pioneer  hero. 

This  little  settlement  was  harrassed  unceasingly  by 
the  Indians  until  the  sottlcrs  were  forced  to  abandon  it. 
But  it  was  renewed  again  in  a  few  years,  and  became 
one  of  the  most  important  in  the  county. 

1780. — In  the  same  year  that  this  settlement  was 
made  opposite  Kaskaskia,  another  one  was  commencod 
on  the  same  side  of  the  river,  above  the  mouth  of  Nine 
Mile  creek,  by  some  of  Clark's  soldiers,  and  a  few 
friends  whom  they  had  induced  to  come  to  the  country. 
Among  the  settlers  were  Daniel  Hicks,  Henry  and 
Elijah  Smith,  Hitterbranp,  Hayden,  Lancepord  and 
some  others.  Most  of  these  men  lived  and  died  in  this 
settlement.     They  were  quiet,  industrious  people,  and 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  71 

took  but  little  part  in  any  thing  beyond  the  limits 
of  their  own  neighborhood.  The  descendants  of  some 
of  them  are  still  living  in  the  county. 

1783. — In  the  year  1783,  Thomas  Hughs,  Irom  Ken- 
tucky, came  to  the  Territory  to  select  a  place  with  a 
view  of  bringing  out  his  family.  He  marked  a  placo 
for  settlement  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Kaskaskia 
river,  in  the  Montgomery  neighborhood,  and  then  re- 
turned for  his  family  in  Kentucky.  On  his  return  to 
that  State  he  persuaded  some  friends  to  accompany 
him,  and  a  small  party  started  for  Illinois.  While 
crossing  the  Ohio  river,  they  were  attacked  by  Indians, 
and  Hughs  and  three  others  of  the  party  were  killed. 
Mrs.  Hughs  was  sitting  in  the  boat  with  her  child  at 
the  breast,  and  a  ball  from  one  of  the  savages'  guns 
spattered  its  brains  in  her  face. 

The  balance  of  the  party  escaped  and  returned  to 
Kentucky.  Some  years  afterwards,  Mrs.  Hughs  mar- 
ried James  Pillars,  and  with  his  two  sons — JonN  and 
Eichard,  and  the  surviving  son  of  Hughs — James — 
they  resolved  to  resume  the  journey  to  the  wilds  of  Illi- 
nois, which  had  been  so  suddenly  interrupted  by  the 
death  of  Hughs. 

1795. — They  arrived  at  Kaskaskia  in  1795,  and  made 
a  settlement  on  the  east  side  of  the  river — on  the  farm 
which  is  now  occupied  by  Henry  Hughs,  and  widely 
known  as  the  "old  Hughs  place."  Pillars  remained 
upon  the  farm  several  years,  and  was  an  industrious, 
quiet  and  respected  citizen. 

James  HuGHS-^-son  of  him  who  was  killed  by  the 
Indians — returned  to  Kentucky  and  married,  and  came 
again  to  Illinois  in  the  year  1800.  He  was  a  man  of 
remarkable  energy  and  sound  judgment,  and  became  a 
very  important  constituent  of  the  infant  settlement. 


72  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

He  was  in  the  United  States. ranging  service,  in  1812. 
He  obtained  possession  of  his  step-father's  farm,  and 
lived  upon  it  until  his  death.  His  sons  have  borne  a 
respectable  position  in  this  county. 

James  Hughs  was  the  oldest,  and  became  a  very  pop- 
ular man.  He  was  often  elected  to  fill  important  offices. 
He  died  in  Kaskaskia,  in  1842.  JonN  Hughs  was  the 
second  son,  and  now  lives  about  ten  miles  northwest  of 
Chester.  Stace  located  on  the  west  side  of  the  Kas- 
kaskia river,  in  the  O'Harra  neighborhood,  and  died 
there  in  1857.  Felix  resides  near  his  brother  John,  is 
a  farmer,  and  holds  the  office  of  magistrate.  Henry 
lives  upon  the  farm  of  his  father  where  he  was  born. 

John  Pillars  opened  a  farm  about  half  a  mile  north 
west  of  his  father,  but  moved  soon  afterwards,  and  lo- 
cated on  the  western  side  of  the  Opossumden  prairie. 
He  was  a  man  of  high  standing,  having  been  chosen 
major  of  the  militia,  which  position  he  held  for  a  long 
term  of  years.  He  died  in  1851,  On  his  farm,  where  he 
had  lived  nearly  half  a  century. 

Richard   Pillars  was  of  a  migratory  disposition, 
seldom  remaining  long  at  any  place.     He  last  lived  on 
Mary's  River,  near  the  Little  Mill  seat,  and  died  there 
fin   1844.     The  descendants  of  the  Pillars  are  still  re- 
siding in  the  county. 

'„  1797. — Stace  McDonough,  one  of  the  most  conspic- 
ous  and  leading  characters  of  pioneer  times,  came  and 
located  in  the  Pillars'  settlement  in  1787.  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Kentucky  militia,  and  was  in  many  expe- 
ditions against  the  Indians.  He  served  under  Col. 
Clark  in  an  expedition  to  the  Wabash,  in  1786.  He 
was  in  the  disastrous  defeat  of  Gen.  St.  Clair,  in  1791, 
and  miraculously  saved  himself  from  that  dreadful  car- 
nage.      He  commanded  a  boat  on  the  Ohio  river,  in 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  73 

1793,  and  while  passing  down  the  stream  was  shot  in 
the  shoulder  by  some  lurking  savages  on  the  shore. 
This  wound  affected  him  through  life.  He  was  also 
with  Anthony  Wayne,  and  suited  the  character  of  that 
General,  whose  exploits  gained  for  him  the  sobriquet  of 
"Mad  Anthony."  During  the  war  of  1812,  he  carried 
the  mail  from  St.  Louis,  by  way  of  Kaskaskia,  to  Shaw- 
neetown,  and  though  the  ^oute  was  beset  by  dangers 
from  the  hostile  Indians,  he  made  his  trips  regularly. 
He  was  elected  Captain  of  a  ranging  company,  and 
filled  the  station  with  marked  ability.  He  lived  on  the 
farm  where  he  first  settled,  for  nearly  half  a  century, 
and  died  much  lamented.  He  left  two  sons — James 
and  David;  the  former  settled  in  the  lower  end  of  the 
Opossumden  Prairie  about  the  year  1820.  He  died  tbere 
some  years  ago,  and  his  family  are  living  around  the 
old  farm.     David  lives  oij  the  farm  made  by  his  father. 

1798. — Another  addition  was  made  to  this  settlement 
in  the  person  of  Jonathan  Pettit,  in  the  year  1798. 
He  was  a  noble  specimen  of  the  pioneer  class,  and  by 
his  enterprising  energy  he  became  a  valuable  acquisi- 
tion to  the  little  colony  in  which  he  located.  He 
erected  a  mill  on  Nine  Mile  creek,  at.  the  point  whero 
the  Chester  and  Evansville  road  crosses  that  stream. 
Some  evidences  of  the  existence  of  this  mill  may  yet  bo 
found.  Pettit  was  an  active,  industrious  man,  full  of 
life  and  energy.  Like  most  of  the  brave  pioneers,  he- 
joined  the  "  Rangers"  in  1812,  and  discharged  his  mili- 
tary duties  in  a  manner  very  creditable  to  himself  and 
the  service.  His  sons  were  David,  Henry,  Jonathan,. 
and  Joseph.  The  only  one  of  the  name  of  this  family 
remaining  in  the  county  is  Henry  Newton  Pettit,  who 
lives  about  five  miles  northwest  of  Chester. 

1795. — About  1795,   John  J.    Whiteside,  and  some 
7 


74  HISTORICAL  SKRTCHKS 

others,  laid  off  a  town  on  the  western  hank  of  the  Kan- 
kaekia  river,  not  far  from  the  northern  limits  of  Ran- 
dolph county,  and  called  it  Washington,  but  it  ceased 
to  grow  and  be  called  a  town  in  a  very  few  years.  It 
was  a  town  only  in  name.  Some  of  the  Going  family 
located  in  this  town,  but  they  remained  but  a  short 
time. 

Before  the  close  of  the  century,  another  settlement 
was  commenced  in  Horse  Prairie — a  name  given  it 
because  of  the  great  number  of  wild  horses  found  in  it. 
The  settlers  here  were  Samuel  and  Winder  Kinney, 
Jarrot  Brickey,  Chance  Ratcliff,  Gibbons,  Robert 
McMahon,  and  some  others.  These  men  had  first 
located  about  the  New  Design,  in  Monroe  County.  For 
a  time  this  settlement  promised  to  become  permanent 
and  lasting,  but  it  was  harrassed  by  the  Indians  until 
nearly  all  the  settlers  left  it. 

One  of  the  most  shocking  Indian  butcheries  that  ever 
befell  the  family  of  any  man,  happened  to  that  of 
Robert  McMahon.  The  Indians  attacked  his  house 
one  day,  while  the  family  were  all  at  home,  and  killed 
Mrs.  McMahon  and  four  children.  McMahon  himself, 
and  two  small  daughters,  were  fettered  and  taken  pris- 
oners. The  Indians,  with  their  captives,  hurried  away, 
lest  the  whites  should  pursue  them.  Some  days  after- 
wards, Mr.  Judy  went  to  McMahon's  house,  and  in- 
stead of  finding  the  family  alive  and  well,  as  he  had 
expected,  he  found  the  mangled  bodies  of  five  stretched 
in  a  row  upon  the  floor,  and  the  dead  body  of  the  baby 
in  the  cradle,  supposed  to  have  died  of  hunger.  The 
Bad  intelligence  was  given  to  the  settlements  around, 
and  a  small  party  started  in  pursuit  of  the  Indians,  but 
\hey  had  made  good  their  escape. 

The  people  of  the  surrounding  neighborhoods  gath- 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY  75 

ered  together  and  buried  the  dead  bodies,  and  after  the 
funeral  was  over,  a  religious  meeting  was  held.  The 
solemn  devotions,  prompted  by  the  awfully  sorrowful 
<K  c:i<i>;':.  continued  until  a  late  hour  in  the  evening. 
Jn^t  ii-  the  congregation  was  about  breaking  up,  Mr. 
McMaiion  tamo  in,  nearly  exhausted,  and  fainting  from 
fatigue  and  mental  anxiety.  If  some  mysterious  being 
fiom  the  spirit  world  had  appeared  in  the  mid-t  of  that 
assembly,  no  greater  surprise  could  have  been  pro- 
duced. He  was  informed  that  his  family  had  Been 
buried  that  day,  and  the  awful  butchery  of  which  they 
were  the  victims,  had  been  the. occasion  of  that. meet- 
ing. Struggling  emotions  of  piercing  sorrow  and 
thankful  joy  filled  his  heart.  His  family  had  been 
murdered,  but  kind  friends  had  buried  them,  and 
ningled  tears  of  sorrow  with  the  sod  over  their  graves; 
nc  had  escaped  from  a  horrible  captivity,  and  generous 
friends  surrounded  him,  but  the  thought  of  his  two 
lovely  daughters,  still  subject  to  the  will  of  heartless 
savages,  almost  made  him  frantic.  Imagine,  if  possible, 
the  feelings  of  that  man  with  such  reflections  upon  his 
mind.  He  told  the  story  of  the  attack  upon  his  house, 
ami  how  brutally  his  lovely  family  were  murdered 
before  his  eyes,  while  he  was  bound  and  tied  down, 
unable  to  defend  them.  When  his  wife  and  four  chil- 
dren lay  dead  upon  the  floor,  he  and  the  two  little  girls 
were  marched  off,  and  started  under  the  control  of 
their  captors,  they  knew  not  whither.  The  first  night 
after  they  started,  the  Indians,  tied  McMahon  down 
with  tug-ropes,  stripped  him  of  most  of  his  clothing, 
and  put  a  belt  containing  little  bells  around  his  body, 
so  that  escape  was  impossible. 

This  night  a  heavy  snow  fell,  and  the  weather  turned 
excessively  cold.     The  next  day  they  traveled  hastily 


76  historical  SKrrcm;* 

over  the  snowy,  frozen  ground,  v,  •  •  »<  aJiUOsi  kilh'd  Mc- 
Mahon  and  the  little  girls.  The  third  night  the  party 
camped  above  Sugar  Creek,  not  far  from  the  locality  of 
Lebanon,  in  St.  Clair  county.  They  had  nothing  but 
dried  venison  to  cat,  and  so  little  of  that,  thai  it  did 
not  satisfy  the  cravings  of  nature.  But  McMaiion, 
although  nearly  starved  and  frozen,  determined  to  make 
his  escape  if  possible.  The  Indians  took  the  precau- 
tion to  tie  and  secure  him  as  they  had  done  the  previous 
night,  but,  after  they  had  all  lain  down  and  were  asleep, 
he  slipped  the  cords  from  his  wrists  and  body,  and 
tied  what  little  clothes  he  yet  had  on,  around  the  belt  of 
bells,  so  that  they  made  no  noise.  He  was  just  attemp- 
ting to  rise,  when  one  of  the  Indians  raised  his  head 
up  and  looked  around,  but  not  noticing  McMaiion,  laid 
down  again.  When  the  Indian  again  slept,  he  rose 
quietly  and  escaped,  leaving  his  shoes  and  most  of  his 
clothing.  Traveling  a  short  distance,  barefooted  and 
almost  naked,  he  thought  it  would  be  death  to  continuo, 
and  returned  to  the  camp  and  tried  to  get  his  shoes, 
but  he  could  not  without  waking  the  Indians.  Preferr- 
ing to  die  a  free  man,  of  cold  and  hunger,  in  the 
woods,  rather  than  risk  his  life  with  those  who  had 
cruelly  murdered  his  family,  he  started  for  the  New 
Design,  scarcely  expecting  to  ever  reach  it.  The  night 
following  that  of  his  escape,  he  laid  down  by  a  log,  and 
covering  himself  with  leaves,  he  slept  a  little,  but  his 
feet  and  elbows  were  severely  frost  bitten.  The  next 
day,  late  in  the  evening,  he  arrived  at  Prairie  du  Rochcr, 
nearer  dead  than  alive.  From  there  he  proceeded  to 
the  Lemons'  Fort  to  join  his  friends  as  above  related. 
He  did  not  inform  his  daughters  of  his  intention  to 
escape,  fearing  they  might  cry  and  prevent  him  fi'v»i»i 
getting  away.     He  left  them,  bitter  as  was  the  ncccs- 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  77 

sity,  to  the  mercy  of  the  savages,  trusting  that  they 
might  yet  be  rescued;  and  so  they  were. 

One  incident  connected  with  this  horrible  affair  should 
be  related  to  show  the  sagacity  of  a  little  fiste  dog. 
During  the  few  days  that  McMahon'8  family  lay  dead  in 
the  house  where  they  were  murdered,  this  little  dog,  a 
favorite  in  the  family,  would  come  to  the  New  Design, 
whine  piteously,  and  run  back  and  forth  towards  Mc- 
Mahon's  house,  but  no^  one  took  notice  of  him.  His 
visits  were  repeated  daily;  iVut  the  object  of  his  coming 
was  not  imagined  or  though?  of  until  the  murder  was 
discovered. 

When  McMaho*  hud  returned  and  gone  into  the 
meeting,  previously  mentioned,  this  little  dog  was  in  the 
house.  He  did  not  recognize  his  master  at  first,  he 
was  so  changed,  but  after  a  while  he  found  him  out, 
and  thon  leaped  upon  him,  and  frisked  about  almost 
wild  with  joy. 

Some  years  after  the  murder  of  his  family,  McMahon 
married  again,  and  lived  in  Horse  Prairie.  He  was  ap- 
pointed a  Judge  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court,  and  a  Jus- 
tice of  the  Peace  in  Kandolph  Count}',  which  offices  he 
filled  with  much  ability  and  satisfaction  a  long  time. 
He  moved  first  to  St.  Clair,  and  then  to  Madison  county, 
where  he  died. 

As  remarked  in  a  preceding  paragraph,  the  settlement 
in  Horse  Prairie  was  almost  broken  previous  to  the 
year  1800.  Besides  McMahon,  Henry  Levens  and 
Jarrot  BitiCKEY,  were  about  the  only  ones  who  re- 
mained permanently.  The  sons  of  Henry  Levens — 
Thomas,  Isaiah,  Otho  and  Bazyl — all  located  around 
the  home  of  their  father,  and  became  prominent  men 
in  that  little  community;  but  they,  and  all  their  descen- 
dants, are  gone  now. 
*7 


78  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

Jarrot  Brickey  was  another  of  the  sturdy,  staunch 
pioneers,  who  braved  the  dangers  of  Indian  massacres 
and  midnight  assassinations.  He  lived  an  industrious, 
respected  citizen  of  Horse. Traine  for  nearly  half  a  cen- 
tury, and  during  that  time  he  was  prominent  in  all 
those  scenes  which  msirk  the  pioneer  times  of  Randolph 
County.     He  was  a  Range]-  u.  "'i'1 

His  son — Pkehton  B.  Brk  -  -located  half  .1  mile 
north  of  Red  Bud.  and  hec.  m.o  a  rotspcctaMn  farmer. 
$f?»  eons — John  and  "\Y:l:.;am — are  i;ov<-  citizens  of 
Red  Bud,  and  ^\vn  n  large  louring  mill. 

lbOO. — Outside  of  Kaflkuskia  and  Prairie  du  Rocher, 
the  two  settlements  to  whiun  reference  1ms  been  made 
in  the  preceding  paragraphs,  included  the  entire  popu- 
lation of  Randolph  County,  at  the  commencement  of 
the  present  century ;  but"  the  way  was  now  opened,  and 
new  arrivals  became  more  frequent.  JS"ew  settlements 
were  commenced,  and  additions  made  to  those  already 
.established,  more  rapidly. 

Among  the  first  immigrants  to  the  County,  after  the 
-commencement  of  1800,  was  Robert  Reynolds,  from 
Tennessee,  and  formerly  from  Ireland.  After  remain- 
ing in  Kaskaskia  a  few  months,  he  located  in  the  set- 
tlement of  Huans  and  Pillars,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
river.  He  became  a  leading  man  in  the  new  settle- 
ment, and  was  often  elected  to  fill  important  offices  in 
the  county.  He  remained  in  the  county  upwards  of 
twenty  years,  and  then  went  to  Madison  county,  where 
he  died.  His  oldest  son,  John  Reynolds,  became  a  dis- 
tinguished man  in  early  times — was  elected  a  Judge  of 
the  Supreme  Court,  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  a 
i  member  of  Congress,  Governor  of  the  State,  and  is  now 
more  intimately  known  by  the  people  than  any  other 
man  in  Illinois.     He  now  lives  in  Belleville,  at  the  age 


OP   RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  79 

of  sixty-three  years.     His  brother,  Thomas  Reynolds, 
became  a  distinguished  lawyer  and  judge. 

1801. — In  1801,  Joseph  Heard  arrived  in  Kaskaskia 
and  settled  upon  Garrison  Hill.  A  few  years  after- 
Avard  he  moved  and  opened  a  farm  two  and  a  half  miles 
north  of  Chester,  on  Grav:1  "r-;1  M»o  f>a«:c  ihat  is 
n  v.  owned  by  J.  R.  Holmes,  aud  euilivjite.l  by  J-»hn 
vlaupick.  Heard  lived  hoc  for  --me  years,  and  im- 
proved"'hi*  iV.rcr.  and  raised  large  crops.  H^on  Heard, 
the  oldest  son  of  Joseph,  seitlirl-«pon  •>  'arm  abou  t  two 
miles  north  of  his  father,  whkh  is  yet  known  as  the 
"Old  Heard  Farm/'  It  is  now  occupied  by  Henry 
Bode.  Heard  occupied  this  farm  for  many  years,  and 
then  moved  away  to  Wisconsin. 

James  Heard,  the  second  son,  located  still  farther 
north,  and  made  a  farm,  where  he  lived  to  be  an  old 
man.  Joseph,  William,  and  James  Heard,  now  living 
in  the  same  neighborhood,  are  the  sons  of  James. 

1801. — George  Franklin  came  with  Joseph  Heard, 
and  made  the  farm  on  which  Lemuel  Barker  now  lives, 
four  miles  east  of  Kaskaskia.  Some  years  afterwards 
he  moved  and  settled  one  mile  east  of  the  present  loca- 
tion of  Pinckneyville,  in  Perry  County,  on  what  is  now 
known  as  the  "  Old  Baldridge  Farm." 

1802.— In  1802,  the  "Irish  Settlement,"  near  the 
mouth  of  Plumb  Creek,  was  founded.  James  Patter- 
son, from  Abbeville  District,  South  Carolina,  came  vtiiK 
his  family,  and,  branching  out  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
other  settlement,  made  a  permanent  location  at  this 
place,  which  took  its  name  from|the  fact  that  he  and 
subsequent  settlers  were  from  South  Carolina — or  what 
is  sometimes  known  as  "  South  Carolina  Irish." 

James  Patterson  was  a  man  of  remarkable  energy 
and  activity,  and'always  stood  high  in  the  community. 


80  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

He  often  held  the  offices  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  and 
County  Commissioner.  In  the  ranging  servieo  of  1812, 
he  bore  an  active  part.  He  had  four  sons — John,  Sam- 
uel, Reuben,  and  James  Harvey.  John  located  in  tho 
samo  settlement  of  his  father,  where  he  lived  for  many- 
years,  and  afterwards  moved  to  Hill  Prairie,  where  he 
died  in  1837.  Samuel  settled  in  Horse  Prairie  ;  Reuben 
in  Hitchcock  Prairie,  where  he  now  lives.  James  H. 
now  lives  upon  the  farm  first  made  byhis.&tkc?.  The 
Patterson  family.  h^TTc  always  occupied  a  prominent 
position  in  tlie  county,  and  are  well  and  widely  known. 

1802. — John  Fulton,  from  Tennessee,  came  in  1802, 
and  located  in  the  same  settlement.  He  was  a  valuable 
addition  to  this  community — always  active,  and  fore- 
most in  whatever  promised  to  promote  the  best  inter. 
ests  of  the  public.  His  sons — Thomas,  David,  and 
Cyrus — all  located  in  the  samo  neighborhood,  where 
Thomas  and  Cyrus  died.  Davi"d  lives  in  Marion 
County. 

1802. — William  Roberts,  fron*  Lv-Aiiigton,  Ken- 
tucky, came  in  1802,  and  settled  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Kaskaskia  river,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hughs.  He 
opened  a  farm,  and  in  addition  to  this  e  mployment,  he 
traded  down  the  river,  and  became  well  known  along 
the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  from  Kaskaskia  to  New 
Orleans.  Having  spent  twenty  years  of  an  eventful 
and  useful  life,  amidst  the  pioneer  scenes  of  Illinois,  he 
died  in  1822. 

1802. — Thomas  Roberts,  son  of  William,  who  had 
nearly  reached  his  majority  at  the  time  of  coming  to 
Illinois,  located  upon  a  farm  near  his  father.  Ho 
became  a  highly  respected  citizen  as  he  advanced  in  age, 
and  was  often  promoted  to  positions  of  importance. 
Ho  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  a  long 


Or  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  81 

term  of  years,  and  was  County  Commissioner  at  vari- 
ous times.  Towards  the  close  of  his  life  he  became  a 
devoted  Christian,  and  gave  his  time  and  means  lib- 
erally to  the  church.  He  died  in  1858.  His  descen- 
dants arc  numerous.  His  sons  were  Thomas,  Darius, 
"William,  John,  Daniel  Preston,  Jacob,  Wylet,  Vol. 
net,  and  Perry.  All  have  families  except  Darius, 
who  died  in  early  life. 

1802. — Robert  Tindall  came  from  Chester  County, 
South  Carolina,  and  settled  on  what  is  now  known  as 
the  Fleming  Farm,  situated  some  five  miles  northeast 
of  Chester.  Here  he  commenced  the  erection  of  a 
water-mill,  on  a  small  stream  which  flows  past  the 
farm,  but  before  it  was  completed  the  floods  washed  it 
away.  He  then  erected  a  horse-mill  near  his  residence, 
at  whiMi  the  settlers  around  were  supplied  with  their 
breadstuff.  The  advantage  of  this  mill  was  felt  by  all 
the  new  comers,  and  it  was  a  great  inducement  for 
them  to  settle  around  it.  Mr.  Tindall  was  a  valuable 
pioneer  in  the  settlement,  and  spent  a  life  in  some  useful 
•employment  to  himself  and  his  neighbors. 

He  had  four  sons,  two  of  whom  are  yet  living — 
Reuben  and  Robert.  The  former  is  a  citizen  of  Chester, 
and  known  as  one  of  the  oldest  natives  of  Illinois. 
Robert  lives  in  the  vicinity  of  Steelsville. 

1802. — John  and  E^hraim  Bilderback  came  to 
Illinois  in  the  year  18(?2,  and  located  permanently. 
Ephraim  made  a  farm  in  She  region  of  the  settlement 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Kask'.askia  river,  about  one  mile 
north  of  Edgar's — now  Riley's  mill.  JonN  settled 
upon  a  farm  which  adjoins,  or  'forms  a  part  of  the  one 
now  occupied  by  Armsted  Jontes.  These  two  men 
were  intelligent,  active,  and  industrious ;  and  by  their 
solid,  substantial  ability,  they  soon  'became  the  repre- 


g2  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

soutativc  men  in  tho  little  community  of  which  they 
formed  a  part. 

1302. — John  was  in  the  ranging  service,  and  dis- 
played the  same  traits'  of  perseverance  and  bravery 
there  that  characterized  him  in  the  retired  but  equals- 
responsible  sphere  of  life.  He  died,  leaving  no  descen- 
dants. 

EniRAiM  devoted  himself  to  farming,  almost  con- 
stantly, and  displayed  an  industry  that  is  worthy  of 
imitation,  lie  was  the  father  of  "William,  Stuart, 
James,  Charles,  Franklin,  Henry,  Ephraim,  Thomas, 
and  John,  each  of  whom  became  respectable  citizens  of 
tho  county.  "William  located  a  short  distance  below 
the  site  of  Liberty,  near  the  dividing  line  between 
Randolph  and  Jackson  counties,  where  he  lived  for 
many  years.  Stuart  remained  on  his  father's  farm  a 
few  years,  then  moved  away  to  "Wisconsin.  Charles 
settled  near  to  his  brother  William,  and  died  there  in 
1849.  Franklin  lived  at  the  old  place.  Ephraim  went 
to  Perry  County,  and  remained  a  few  years,  but  re- 
turned and  made  a  farm  on  Mary's  river,  and  remained 
until  his  death.  Thomas  lived  at  his  father's  until  his 
death.  John  settled  in  Lively  Prairie,  where  he  died. 
James  is  still  living  upon  a  farm  about  four  miles  north 
of  Chester.  There  are  many  of  the  descendants  of 
these  men  now  living  in  the  county. 

1800. — Benjamin  Crane,  with  seven  sons — Benja- 
min, Squire,  "William,  James,  Joel,  Lewis,  and  John 
— came  to  Illinois  about  1802,  or  probably  two  years 
earlier,  and  settled  on  Mary's  river,  about  four  miles 
above  the  mouth.  These  were  men  of  decided  charac- 
ter, and  soon  became  known  in  all  the  other  settle- 
ments. Their  traits  of  character  were  well  adapted  to 
a  pioneer  country,  and  their  influence  in  advancing  the 


OF  RANDOLPH   COUNT*.  83 

new  region  in  which  they  h;ul  decided  to  live,  was  suc- 
cessfully exerted.  They  were  the  leading  men  in 
settling  the  country  around  the  mouth  of  Mary's  river, 
and  the  Island  opposite,  which  bears  the  name  of 
Crane's  Island.  John  lived  upon  this  Island  for  many 
years,  and  died  there  in  1850.  Joel  died  the  same 
year.  The  other  brothers,  except  Lewis,  who  now 
lives  in  California,  died  several  years  previous.  James 
Harvey  and  Nelson*R.  Crane,  residents  of  Chester, 
are  sons  of  John  Crane. 

1802. — PAul  Haiielston  settled  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Kaskaskia  river,  in  1802,  near  the  mouth  of  Camp's 
Greek.  He  became  a  very  prominent  man  in'  those 
early  days,  and  held  the  office  of  Sheriff  for  a  short 
time.  Xo  other  information  conld  be  obtained  about 
him. 

Abu  ah  Leavitt  was  a  soldier  in  Col.  Pike's  division, 
which  came  to  Fort  Gage  in  1803.  He  obtained  a  dis« 
charge  from  the  army,  and  made  a  farm  one  mile  back 
of  Garrison  Hill.  He  lived  upon  this  farm  until  a  few 
years  ago,  when  he  died.  A  quiet,  industrious  citizen, 
he  enjoyed  the  esteem  of  his  neighbors.  The  place 
where  he  lived  is  now  occupied  by  his  son. 

1803. — Robert  Huggins,  from  South  Carolina,  settled 
in  the  Irish  Settlement,  in  1803.  He  lived  there  some 
years,  and  then  moved  into  the  Oppossumden  Prairie. 
James  Huggins,  son  of  Robert,  settled  in  Flat  Prairie 
about  the  year  1817,  and  made  the  farm  which  is  bow 
known  as  the  "  Arche  McDill  place."  It  was  the  fil*t 
farm  in  that  Prairie.  Thfe  descendants  of  Hugqinb  are 
now  living  in  Perry  County. 

1804. — John  Lacy  came  to  Illinois  from  South  Caro- 
lina in  1804,  and  settled  upon  the  farm  which  has  been 
known  in  later  years  as  the  "  Major  Adair  place."     He 


84  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

lived  here  some  years,  until  his  death.  Major  Adair 
married  the  widow  Lacy.  John  Lacy,  now  living  upon 
the  same  place,  is  a  son  of  the  pioneer. 

1804. — In  1804,  a  numerous  and  valuable  addition 
was  made  to  the  Irish  Settlement  at  the  mouth  of  Plumb 
Creek.  John  McClinton,  David  and  James  Ander- 
son, and  Adam  Hill,  from  Abbeville,  South  Carolina, 
with  their  families,  numbering  in  the  aggregate  thirty- 
one  members — nine  of  whom  are  yet  living — arrived 
in  this  settlement,  on  the  25th  day  of  December  of  that 
year.  This  company  infused  into  the  little  settlement 
a  life  and  activity  hitherto  unknown. 

John  McClinton's  wife  died  a  few  weeks  after  they 
arrived,  and  he  died  about  one  year  alter  her  death, 
leaving  three  bohs — John,  Samuel,  and  Willam — who 
were  placed  under  the  guardianship  of  the  Hills  and 
Anderson.  John  and  William  both  died  many  years 
ago.  Samuel  located  finally  near  Sparta,  where  he 
lived  for  many  years,  and  became  widely  known  as  an 
active,  respectable  citizen.  He  died  four  or  five  years 
ago,  leaving  a  large  family. 

1804. — David  Anderson,  who  afterwards  obtained 
the  title  of  Colonel,  was  a  leading  and  popular  man  in 
the  community  from  the  time  of  his  arrival.  He  was 
a  strong,  athletic  man,  very  benevolent  and  kind  in  his 
disposition,  and  a  firm  friend  of  the  church.  His  merit 
became  known  beyond  the  limits  of  his  own  neighbor- 
hood, and  he  was  often  called  upon  to  fill  stations  of 
official  trust.  As  Colonel  of  the  militia  he  was  a  favo- 
rite, and  displayed  an  ability  creditable  to  himself  and 
the  high  position  he  filled.  His  sons  all  died  while 
young.  His  oldest  daughter  married  Uobert  G.  Shan- 
non. 

18C4. — Jamkh  An  deb  SON  lived  but  a  few  years  alter 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  8& 

coming  to  Illinois.  He  was  noted  for  his  retired,  unas- 
suming disposition,  and  kindness  of  heart,  lie  left 
five  sons — James,  John,  William,  Thomas  and  David, 
all  of  whom  became  respectable  citizens  of  the  county. 
William  and  David  are  dead;  the  other  three  are  still 
living.     Thomas  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  church. 

1804. — Adam  Hill  settled  on  the  farm  .now  occupied 
by  Mrs.  Kelly,  near  Evansville.  Here  he  lived  in  the 
quiet  pursuit  of  farming  until  his  death.  His  sons, 
Joein,  William,  Adam,  Robert  and  Samuel  became 
well  known  citizens  of  the  county.  William  is  now 
living  rn  Marion  county.  John,  Adam  and  Robert  are 
dead.  Samuel  is  living  near  the  old  place  of  his  father, 
a  kind,  sociable  citizen. 

1804. — The  Irish  Settlement  was  increased  by  another 
party  of  emigrants  from  Abbeville,  South  Carolina, 
during  the  same  year,  or  in  the  commencement  of  the 
year  following.  Absalom  Cox,  James  and  Archibald 
Thompson,  William  McBride  and  Robert  McDonald, 
were  the  leaders  of  this  party. 

Absalom  Cox  was  elected  in  later  years  a  Captain 
of  a  militia  company.  He  was  an  important  member 
of  the  community,  and  lived  a  useful  life.  He  estab- 
lished a  ferry  across  the  Kaskaskia  river,  which  is 
known  to  this  day  as  "('ox's  Ferry."  He  died  on  the 
farm  where  he  settled,  leaving  four  sons: — John,  Wil- 
liam, Thomas  and  Absalom. 

John  is  now  an  old  man  living  upon  his  father's  farm. 
William  lives  adjoining  the  same  place.  Thomas  and 
Absalom  arc  dead. 

1804. — James  Thompson  located  upon  a  farm  in  this 
settlement,  and  lived  the  life  of  an  industrious,  respect- 
able citizen.  He  was  a  man  of  patriotic  feelings,  and 
his  country  never  called  for  his  services  without  a 
8 


86  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

ready  response.  His  sons  were  Robert  and  Archi- 
bald ;  the  latter  died  in  youth. 

Robert  lived  on  Plumb  Creek,  where  he  died  in  1830. 
His  sons  were  James  B.,  John  B.,  Andrew  and  Robert. 
The  former  two  are  living  in  the  settlement  of  their 
father  ;tnd  grandfather;  the  latter  two  are  dead. 

1804 — Archibald  Thompson  was  a  man  of  excellent 
character,  and  a  very  efficient  member  of  the  com- 
munity. He  lived  some  years  in  the  settlement  where 
he  first  located,  and  then  moved,  in  the  year  1812,  to  a 
place  two  miles  south  of  the  present  town  of  Evans- 
villo.  Reaching  an  advanced  age,  he  died  in  1833. 
His  sons  were  ROBERT,  WlLLIAM,  Moses,  Archibald, 
John  and  James.  Robert  lived  upon  the  farm,  made 
by  his  father  until  he  grew  to  be  an  old  man,  and  died 
only  a  few  weeks  since.  William  settled  two  and  a 
half  miles  south  of  Preston,  where  lie  still  resides. 
Moses  settled  about  1816  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by 
John  M.  Thompson. 

lie  afterward-  moved  to  St.  Clair  County,  and  died 
there  in  1840.  AltCHlBALD  went  to  Hitchcock  Prairie 
in  1822,  and  lived  there  until  his  death,  in  1856.  His 
descendants  are  living  in  the  same  neighborhood. 
John  Thompson  became  a  prominent  man  in  the  county. 
He  was  once  County  Commissioner.  In  1836  he  was 
I  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  and  died  during 
the  session  of  that  body.  James  Thomtson,  the  young- 
est of  the  brothers,  lived  upon  his  father's  farm  until 
he  died,   in  1835. 

1804. — William  MoBride  was  a  valuable  constituent 
of  the  Irish  Settlement.  He  labored  much,  and  lived 
in  a  manner  which  rendered  him  a  favorite  in  the  com- 
munity. He  was  somewhat  advanced,  in  age  when  he 
came,  but  he  endured  the  privations  of  pioneer  life  very 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY. 


87 


well.  He  died  in  1818.  His  sons,  Thomas — who  had  a 
family  when  they  came,  John  and  William,  settled 
around  their  father,  and  were  industrious,  highly  es- 
teemed citizens.  They  are  all  dead  now.  Thomas  left 
two  sons — William  and  John.  The  former  lives  in 
Washington  County;  the -latter  on  the  old  place. 
William  McBiude  was  Captain  of  a  militia  company 
in  1813,  and  once  held  the  office  of  County  Commis- 
sioner. Mrs.  Wilson,  now  living  in  Chester,  is  the  only 
surviving  one  of  John  McBride's  family. 

1804. — Borert  McDonouoh  remained  in  the  settle- 
ment until  his  death.  His  family  then  moved  away, 
and  none  of  his  descendants  are  now  in  the  county. 

1804. — In  the  same  year — 1804 — Samuel  Cochran 
located  upon  the  land  which  is  now  known  as  the 
"Haskin  farm."  He  was  far  out  from  the  settlement 
at  that  time,  and  lived  somewhat  secluded,  yet  he  was 
very  sociable,  and  fond  of  company.  He  was  an 
influential  and  popular  man,  and  held  several  impor- 
tant offices.  He  died  in  Jackson  County,  in  1824.  His 
sons  were  John,  William,  George,  Alexander  and 
Elisha.  John  improved  a  farm  near  the  Bilderbacks,. 
and  lived  upon  it  until  his  death.  William  settled, 
lived  and  died  upon  the  farm  on  which  Joseph  Hardin 
now  resides,  one  mile  northwest  of  Chester.  Mrs. 
VanZa\i\  now  living  in  Chester  at  an  advanced  age,  is 
the  daughter  of  Samuel  Cochran.  George  moved 
to  Jackson  County,  and  there  became  a  very  prominent 
man.  The  other  brothers  also  went  to  Jackson  County. 
They  were  noted  for  their  exploits  in  hunting. 

180-1. — About  this  time  a  man  by  the  name  of  Ems- 
ley  Jones  settled  in  the  region  of  Liberty.  Another 
man  named  Reed  had  settled  in  the  same  neighborhood. 
Jones  and  Reed  got  into  a  quarrel,  which  finally  re- 


88  HISTORICAL  SKETCH E8 

8ulteo*in  Jones  killing  Reed,  for  which  crime  he  was 
hung,  in  Kaskaskia.  This  was  the  first  execution  upon 
the  gallows  in  Randolph  County.  A  short  time  after- 
wards, an  Indian  was  hung  for  murdering  a  white  man. 
These  are  the  only  two  instances  where  capital  punish- 
ment has  been  resorted  to  within  the  limits  of  the 
county  since  it  had  an  existence,  and  it  is  earnestly 
hoped  that  such  a  proceeding  will  never  again  blacken 
her  fair  fame.  If,  however,  the  necessity  should  occur, 
her  courts  must  yield  obedience  to  the  requirements  o£ 
imperative  laws. 

1805. — Alexander  Barber  came  in  1805  from  Ohio. 
He  first  settled  near  the  Bilderbacks,  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Kaskaskia  river.  Being  a  man  of  strong  native 
intellect,  a  clear  judgment,  and  robust  constitution,  he 
took  a  leading  position  among  the  other  stalwart  char- 
acters of  the  settlement  in  which  he  located.  His 
employment  was  farming,  but,  as  the  settlements  in- 
creased, he  was  engaged  in  building  mills.  Skilled  in 
this  branch  of  business,  and  possessing  great  energy, 
he  was  a  very  useful  man  in  the  new  country,  and  did 
much  for  its  advancement.  About  the  year  1825,  ho 
located  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resales,  two  miles 
north  of  Liberty,  Here  he  erected  a  mill;  and  he  has 
been  engaged  with  mills  nearly  ever  since.  The  name 
of  Barber  suggests  the  idea  of  a  mill.  More  than 
forty  years  ago  he  was  elected  a  Justice  of  the  Peace — 
a  position  for  which  Nature  seems  to  have  designed 
him — and  he  still  holds  the  office,  having  filled  it  during 
all  that  time  without  intermission.  There  is  probably 
no  man  in  Illinois  who  lias  held  that  office  80  long,  and 
probably  no  man  that  ever  filled  the  office  whose  official 
acts  have  given  such  general  satisfaction.  A  few 
months  more  and  he  will  have  attained  his  fourscore 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  89 

years,  yet  he  retains  his  intellectual  faculties  in  their 
vigor  and  brightness.  He  has  fifty-four  years  of  the 
history  of  this  county  fresh  in  his  memory.  He  be- 
longs to  a  generation  past,  but  lives  yet  as  a  noble 
specimen  of  his  compeers. 

Alexander  Clark  was  another  of  those  who  came 
in  1805.  He  located  three  miles  south  of  the  present 
town  of  Evansville.  How  long  he  remained,  or  what 
position  he  occupied,  could  not  be  learned. 

1805. — Joseph  Lively  came,  in  1805,  from  Abbeville, 
South  Carolina,  and  settled  the  Seymour  farm,  three 
miles  north  of  Kaskaskia.  He  lived  upon  the  farm  until 
j.323,  when  he  moved  and  settled  in  the  lower  end  of 
Oppossumden  Prairie.  He  moved  the  next  year  and 
settled  upon  the  place  where  Judge  John  Campbell 
resides.  He  was  active,  industrious,  and  benevolent. 
He  died  in  1833.  His  sons  were  Amos,  Shadrack, 
Enoch,  Richard,  James,  and  Reuben,  who  have  be- 
come well  known  to  the  people  of  the  county,  and 
from  whom  a  numerous  descendancy  has  sprung. 
They  were  farmers,  generally,  and  good  neighbors. 
Some  of  them  are  yet  living,  though  old  men. 

1805. — John  Lively  a  brother  of  Joseph,  who  came 
at  the  same  time,  settled  in  the  Prairie  northeast  of 
the  Irish  Settlement,  from  which  circumstance  the 
prairie  has  been  called  "  Lively  Prairie."  He  was  the 
pioneer  of  that  part  of  the  county,  and  sustained  his  posi- 
tion in  a  manner  which  excites  sentiments  of  pride  in  his 
descendants.  He  lived  in  this  prairie  during  his  life, 
which  closed  in  1826.  Reuben  Lively,  who  lives  near 
Athens,  in  St.  Clair  County,  is  the  oldest  son  of  John 
Lively.  His  other  sons  were  James,  Turner,  William 
and  Hugh  P. — the  latter  was  accidentally  killed  by  the 
falling  of  a  tree.  Turner  and  William  are  residents  of 
*8 


90  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

the  prairie  where  their  father  lived.    James  is  dead. 

1806. — In  the  year  1806,  George  Wilson  and  Samuel 
Crozier,  from  Abbeville,  South  Carolina,  arrived  in  the 
county.  George  Wilson  settled  on-  Plumb  Creek 
near  the  forks.  From  there  he  went  to  the  mouth  of 
Dozar  Creek,  and  remained  until  1812,  when  he  moved 
into  the  Fort.  He  lived  in  the  Fort  for  some  years  after 
the  settlers  had  returned  to  their  homes.  In  1827  he 
moved  into  Hitchcock  Prairie,  and  lived  there  until  hia 
death  in  1857.  !Mr.  Wilson  was  a  man  in  whom  were 
blended  all  those  noble  traits  of  character  which  dis- 
tinguished the  early  pioneers — high-minded,  generous, 
brave.  Through  his  long  life  he  maintained  a  high 
position  among  his  neighbors,  and  though  he  had 
reached  the  age  of  seventy -five  when  he  died,  his  death 
was  a  loss  felt  by  the  community.  His  sons  are  John 
A.,  George,  William  L.,  James  and  Andrew.  John  A. 
Wilson  has  filled  the  office  of  Sheriff  of  the  county,  and 
is  now  the  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Sparta.  George  lives 
upon  the  old  place  of  his  father.  William  L.  is  a 
citizen  of  Chester.  James  lives  near  the  old  place  in 
the  prairie. 

1806. — Samuel  CrOzier  opened  a  farm  on  Nino  Mile 
Creek,  two  miles  south  of  the  location  of  Evansville. 
Ho.  was  a  man  of  high  intellectual  abilities,  sociable 
and  benevolent,  lie  rose  to  position  and  influence 
without  an  effort.  In  1827  he  was  chosen  a  member  of 
the  Legislature.  He  died  in  1831.  His  sons  were 
John,  James,  Andrew,  Archibald  and  Samuel  B. 
John  Crozier  settled  upon  the  site  of  Red  Bud  in 
Horse  Prairie,  in  1824.  He  was  the  father  of  Samuel 
Crozier  who  was  one  of  the  founders,  and  a  highly 
esteemed  citizen  of  Red  Bud,  and  who  died  a  few  weeks 
ago;  also  James,  who  is*  still  living  in  that  town,  and 


OP  RANDOLPH   COUNTY.  91 

Thomas.  The  brothers  of  John  Crozier  became  citi- 
zens of  the  county,  and  lived  in  it  until  they  died.  The 
Crozier  family  has  always  sustained  a  very  respectable 
position  in  the  community. 

Mr.  Mansker,  father  of  Samuel  Mansker,  made  a 
settlement  on  Liberty  Island,  in  1806,  but  the  farm  he 
made  washed  away  in  a  few  years,  and  he  removed. 
Samuel  Mansker  settled  upon  the  farm  where  he  now 
lives  in  the  same  year  that  his  father  located  upon  the 
Island.  He  has  been  a  sturdy,  persevering  and  respect- 
able citizen. 

1807. — John  Campbell,  from  Abbeville,  South  Caro- 
lina, settled  near  the  mouth  of  Nine  Mile  Creek,  in  1807. 
He  lived  upon  that  place  until  1820,  when  he  moved  to 
a  place  four  miles  east  of  Evansville,  and  died  there  in 
1827.  His  life  was  that  of  an  unassuming,  retired  and 
respectable  citizen.  His  sons,  John,  Samuel,  Archi- 
bald and  James  all  settled  in  the  neighborhood  of  their 
father. 

1807. — During  the  year  1807,  John  Taqgart,  from 
South  Carolina,  came  to  the  county.  He  remained  for 
some  time  about  Kaskaskia,  finally  joined  the  ranging 
service,  and  after  receiving  his  discharge  he  settled 
upon  the  farm  where  he  now  resides,  about  nine  miles 
north  of  Chester.  Amos  Taggart,  who  lives  on  the 
Chester  and  Sparta  road,  is  a  son  of  John. 

1807. — Daniel  Taggart,  brother  of  John,  came  from 
South  Carolina  at  the  same  time.  He  .was  also  in  the 
ranging  service,  and  after  the  company  was  disbanded 
he  located  upon  a  farm  near  his  brother.  His  sons  are 
John,  William,  Amos  and  Daniel,  all  of  whom  are  liv- 
ing in  the  neighborhood  of  their  father. 

1807. — John  Steele,  from  Tennessee,  came  to  the 
county   in   1807.     Possessing  a  remarkable  degree  of 


92  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

self-reliance  and  <  courage,  he  passed  bejond  the  limits 
of  the  settlements  already  made,  and  located  near 
liJiere  Steelesville  now  stands.  Here  he  formed  the 
nucleus  of  a  settlement,  which  increased  rapidly.  Dur- 
i«£  his  long  life  he  displayed  the  same  energy  in  every 
undertaking  as  he  had  done  in  establishing  this  settle- 
ment. He  was  a  man  of  sterling  worth — a  noble  speci- 
men of  the  pioneers.  His  sons  were  George,  Archi- 
bald, James,  John,  and  Thomas,  from  whom  the 
numerous  family  bearing  their  namo,  living  around 
Steelesville,  have  descended.  George  Steele  was  the 
founder  of  Georgetown,  since  called  Steelesville,  and 
the  proprietor  of  Steele's  Mills,  a  point  widely  known 
in  early  times.  He  was  a  man  of  enterprising  energy, 
and  a  very  useful  citizen.  He  was  the  father  of  James 
and  Thomas  Steele. 

Archibald  Steele,  the  second  son  ot  the  pioneer, 
opened' a  -farm  one-half  mile  southwest  of  Steelesville, 
and  lived  there  until  his  death,  a  few  months  ago.  In- 
heriting the  characteristics  of  his  father,  he  was  a  lead- 
ing, influential  member  of  the  community  in  which  he 
lived.  He  was  the  father  of  Anthony,  Jefferson, 
Eilen,  Merrit,  Jasper,  and  Lindsay.  Anthony  now 
holds  the  office  of  Sheriff. 

James  Steele  remained  a  citizen  of  the  county  until 
1849,  when  he  moved  away  to  Iowa.  John  and 
Thomas  are  living  near  Steelesville. 

1808. — In  tliis  year,  one  of  the  most  remarkabio 
pioneers  that  figured  in  the  county,  came  and  settled 
about  three  miles  south  of  Steelesville.  That  man  was 
Jacob  Bowerman.  Decision  of  character  was  a  lead- 
ing trait,  and  shone  out  in  all  his  operations.  He  was 
a  representative  man,  and  filled  the  position  of  a  leader 
with  marked  abdity.     His  ingenuity  was  unbounded. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  93 

He  was  master  of  almost  every  trade,  and  from  the 
fertility  of  his  genius  he,  could  manufacture  guns, 
though  he  never  served  an  apprenticeship  to  the  trade. 
Asa  marksman,  with  the  rifle  he  had  no  superior.  He 
lived  on  the  farm  where  he  first  settled  only  a  short 
time,  then  opened  the  farm  on  which  Archibald 
Steele  lived  during  life,  and  afterwards  settled  upon 
the  farm,  on  the  western  side  of  Stcelcsville,  which  is 
known  as  the  "  old  Bowerman  place."  He  had  four 
sons — Jonathan,  Jesse,  Michael,  and  William — 
three  of  whom  are  yet  living — Jesse  being  dead. 
Jonathan  resides  in  Jackson  county;  Michael  lives 
three  miles  south  of  Steelcsville;  and  William  lives 
three  miles  north  of  the  same  place. 

1808. — In  this  year,  another  addition  was  made  to 
the  Irish  Settlement.  Robert  Foster  and  John  An- 
derson arrived  from  South  Carolina,  Abbeville  Dis- 
trict, having  made  that  long  journey  on  horseback. 
Foster  first  located  near  the  settlement  of  Miller  and 
McCormack,  where  James  and  George  McCormack 
now  live.  He  afterwards  moved  on  to  Plumb  Creek, 
and  erected  a  steam  distillery  and  a  horse-mill.  With 
this  appendage  to  the  settlement,  inducements  were 
offered  to  immigrants  which  brought  many  to  it.  Fos- 
ter's mill  was  the  center  of  attraction — the  place  for 
all  public  gatherings,  musters,  &c.  Mr.  Foster,  as,his 
works  indicate,  was  a  man  for  the  times — enterprising, 
determined,  and  accommodating.  Possessing  a  practi- 
cal judgment,  his  efforts  were  directed  to  such  projects 
as  promised  to  advance  the  public  interests.  He  wae 
sometimes  called  to  fill  official  stations,  which  he  did 
with  high  satisfaction.  He  was  a  devoted  friend  of  the 
church,  and  a  Christian  in  the  fullest  sense  of  the  term. 
He  died  in  1831.    His  sons  were  Samuel,  John,  James 


94  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

A.,  William,  and  Damp.  Samuel  died  in  Sparta, 
some  years  ago.  John  died  before  Samuel.  James  A. 
Foster  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Sparta,  and  he  has 
been  a  successful  merchant  of  that  place  for  many 
years.  David  and  William  Foster  reside  near 
Sparta. 

1808. — John  Anderson  settled  near  tbe  farm  of  his 
brother,  "Col.  Anderson,  and  there  lived  until  bis  death. 
He  was  a  faithful  friend  of  the  church,  and  tilled  tbc 
office  of  ruling  elder  from  the  time  tbe  church  was  or- 
ganized until  bis  death,  in  which  position  he  acted  well 
his  part.  He  held  the  offiec  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
a  great  number  of  years. 

1808. — A  Mr.  Henderson, from  South  Carolina,  came 
in  1808,  and  settled  upon  tbe  farm  now  occupied  by 
James  Walsh,  on  the  western  side  of  the  Kaskaskia 
river,  at  Evansville. 

1808. — John  Clendenin,  from  Green  county,  Ken- 
tucky, came  to  Illinois  in  1808,  and  settled  upon  tho 
farm  which  for  a  long  time  was  known  by  the  name  of 
the  "Porter  place,"  now  an  addition  to  ('bestir.  He 
was  a  revolutionary  soldier,  and  an  excellent  represent' 
ativeoftbat  class  of  brave,  patriotic  men.  It  is  related 
pf  him, that  once  while  guarding  some  prisoners,  a  lady 
came  and  asked  of  him  permission  to  see  her  brother, 
who  was  a  prisoner.  Too  gallant  to  refuse  tbe  lady  tho 
privilege  of  seeing  her  brother,  and  confiding  in  her 
integrity,  be  divested  himself  of  bis  uniform  and 
loaned  it  to  her.  She  put  it  on,  made  the  visit  to  her 
brother,  and  returned  it  to  him  according  to  her  prom- 
ise. Tbis  incident  is  a  mirror  which  reflects  tho  noble- 
character  of  tbe  man.  His  life  among  tbe  pioneers 
was  that  of  a  high-minded,  honorable,  industrious  citi- 
zen— and  to  which  his  descendants  may   revert  with 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  96 

sentiments  of  pride.  James,  Henry,  John,  and  Harvey 
Clendenin,  who  have  filled  so  large  a  spaco  in  the  his- 
tory of  Randolph  County,  wore  his  sons;  all  of  whom 
were  approaching  manhood  when  they  arrived  in  Illi- 
nois. James  Clendenin  opened  the  farm  where  Har- 
vey Lemons  now  lives,  and  afterwards  moved  to  the 
neighborhood  of  Liberty,  where  he  died,  in  1851.  He 
was  the  father  of  Simpson  and  John  H.  Clendenin. 

Henry  Clendenin  died  in  early  life,  leaving  no 
family. 

John  Clendenin  is  yet  living,  having  spent  fifty-one 
years  of  bis  life  amidst  the  scenes  and  events  of  Ran- 
dolph County.  lie  is  the  father  of  James  Harvey, 
and  Henry  Simpson  Clendenin. 

Harvey  Clendenin  became  a  prominent  man  in  the 
county,  and  filled  the  Office  of  County  Commissioner, 
in  which  position  he  distinguished  himself  as  a  man  oft 
sound  judgment  and  clear  discrimination.  Ho  was  the 
father  of  ESphbaim  R.,  John  C,  Samuel,  Harvey;  and 
Henry  Clendenin,  who  have  become  well  known  citiv 
zens  of  tho  county. 

1808. — Richard  Robbison  came  from  South  Carolina, 
in  1808,  and  first  settled  in  the  Bildorback  Settlement, 
but  aftewards  ho  moved  into  the  region  of  the  Steele 
Settlement.  Horo  he  lived  and  raised  a  large  family. 
His  sons  are  John,  Joseph,  Richard,  James,  Shadraok, 
William,  Thomas,  and  Jefferson,  from  whom  the 
numerous  family  of  that  name  now  living  in  tho  county 
have  descended. 

1808. — Andrew  McCormack  settled  in  the   Bilder.* 
back  settlement  in  the  year  1808.     His   sons,  James 
and  George,  live  in  tho  same  neighborhood  where  their, 
father  located. 

1808.— John  Miller  settled  in  the  same  neighbor- 
hood about  the  same  time. 


98  HISTORICAL  SKETCHE8 

1808. — James  White  came  from  South  Carolina  in 
1808,  and  settled  on  the  hills  one-half  mile  north  of  the 
road  from  Chester  to  Stcelesville,  where  the  road 
Crosses  Mary's  river. 

1808. — Augustus  Davis  first  settled,  in  18d8,  near 
Kaskaskia,  and  afterwards  moved  to  the  Steele  Settle- 
ment. Some  of  his  descendants  are  still  living  in  the 
county. 

1808. — William  Barnett  came  from  Kentucky,  and 
located  in  the  Irish  Settlement.  He  was  a  man  of  in- 
dustrious habits,  retired  disposition,  yet  hold  and  firm 
•when  necessity  required  it.  He  died  in  1X18.  His  sons 
were  John  and  William  Barnett.  John  lived  upon  his 
father's  farm,  and  reared  a  large  family.  William  M., 
Alexander  C,  Samuel,  Corrydon  and  John  Barnett 
were  his  sons.     Corrydon  is  the  only  one  now  living. 

William,  the  second  son  of  the  pioneer,  was  drowned. 
He  was  out  in  the  campaign  against  the  Indians  in 
1813,  and  when  returning  home,  having  reached  Plumb 
creek,  only  two  miles  distant  from  his  father's  house,  he 
was  drowned. 

1809. — John  Bkatte  was  added  to  the  Irish  Settle- 
ment in  1809.  He  was  from  Abbeville,  South  Carolina, 
and  became  a  valuable  citizen  in  the  community.  Ho 
was  retired  and  very  quiet,  yet  a  man  of  much  force 
and  decision  of  character.  John,  Andrew  and  Charles 
BEATTEwere  his  sons.  John  and  Andrew  died  several 
years  ago,  leaving  large  families.  Charles  is  still  liv- 
ing. 

1809. — Chest-ey  Allen,  from  Virginia,  settled  in 
Horse  Prairie,  in  1809,  and  formed  the  nucleus  for  a 
settlement  in  that  region  of  the  county.  He  was  a  man 
possessing  all  the  qualifications  of  a  pioneer  leader,  and 
left  a  memory  revered  and  esteemed  by  his  neighbors. 


OF  RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  97 

His  sons  were  James,  John,  Albert,  William  and 
Miner,  who  became  highly  respected  citizens  of  that 
prairie.  John  W.  Allen,  now  a  citizen  of  Ked  Bud,  is 
the  son  of  James  Allen;  and  James  R.  Allen,  a  mer- 
chant of  the  same  place;  is'the  son  of  John  Allen. 

1809. — Raleigh  Ralls,  settled  in  Horse  Prairie  about 
the  same  time  of  Allen.  He  came  from  Virginia,  and 
brought  with  him  the  characteristics  of  a  Virginia  gen- 
tleman. Edward  and  John  Ralls  who  became  promi- 
nent citizens  of  that  prairie  were  his  sons.  John  was 
known  a*  a  pioneer  preacher,  and  he  filled  the  duties  of 
that  sacred  office  until  his  death,  in  1857.  James  M. 
Ralls,  who  is  Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court,  is  a  son  of 
Rev.  John  Ralls. 

1809. — Edward  Faherty  located  on  the  southern 
border  of  Horse  Prairie  in  1809,  and  lived  there,  a 
highly  respected  citizen,  until  his  death.  Patrick  and 
John  Faherty,  now  living  in  the  prairie,  are  his  sons. 

1809. — This  year  came  Ezra  Owens  and  Thomas  J. 
V.,  his  son,  who  settled  in  the  Dr.  Fisher  neighborhood. 
Owens  became  a  prominent  man.  Ho  was  chosen 
Major  of  the  militia,  and  filled  the  office  with  credita- 
ble ability.  His  son  Thomas  J.  V.  Owens  filled  the 
office  of  Sheriff  at  one  time,  and  was  a  member  of  the 
Legislature. 

During  the  period  of  ten  years,  from  1800,  through 
which  the  arrival  of  the  settlers  have  been  faithfully 
chronicled,  according  to  the  best  available  data,  no 
event  occurred  of  special  moment.  From  this  time, 
however,  commenced  the  Indian  troubles  which  con- 
tinued until  after  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812.  Fortu- 
nately, howevor,  for  the  infant  settlements  of  this 
county,  they  were  free  from  those  midnight  butcheries 
which  were  visited  upon  the  settlements  in  other  por- 
9 


9^  HISTOHICAL  SKETCHES 

tions  of  the  surrounding  country.  In  Washington 
County  the  family  of  John  Lively — a  relative  of  those 
of  that  name  who  had  settled  in  this  county — foil  vic- 
tims to  savage  barbarity.  One  afternoon,  when  all  the 
family  but  two  were  gathered  within  the  cabin,  the 
Indians  came,  brutally  murdered  every  one  in  the  house, 
and  then  set  fire  to  it,  and  consumed  the  freshly  made 
corpses  with  the  timbers  of  the  building.  As  no  one 
present  was  left  to  tell  the  particulars  of  this  horrible 
tragedy,  they  have  never  beon  known.  A  son  of  Mr. 
Lively — William — who  was  then  a  small  boy,  was 
out  at  the  time  of  the  murder,  hunting  horses.  On  re- 
turning he  discovered  the  flames  and  smoke  rising  from 
his  father's  cabin,  and  fearing  lest  the  sad  reality  was 
true,  he  went  away  to  a  neighbor's  house  and  gave  the 
information  -of  what  he  had  seen.  They  went  and  found 
only  the  crisped  and  charred  forms  of  their  friends 
smouldering  in  the  ashes  of  the  cabin.  William  and 
Jane,  a  little  girl,  who  happened  to  bo  visiting  some  of 
her  little  friends  in  the  neighborhood,  escaped  the  ter- 
rible fate  of  their  parents,  and  brothers  and  sisters,  and 
are  yet  living.  William  is  one  of  the  oldest  citizens 
in  Washington  County.  Jane  married  William  Cau- 
dle, of  this  county  and  is  the  mother  of  a  large  family, 
and  still  living  at  an  extreme  old  age. 

From  1810,  until  after  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812, 
there  was  but  little  emigration  to  the  county,  and  but 
little  advancement  of  any  kind.  There  was  but  one 
arrival  in  1811 — that  of  Michael  Harmon,  an  emi- 
grant from  Tennessee.  He  explored  the  country  around 
Kaskaskia,  and  decided  to  settle  in  the  region  now 
known  as  the  "Harmon  Settlement."  He  returned  to 
Tennessee  and  brought  out  his  family.  In  the  ensuing 
fall   he   died,   leaving  his   seven   sons  t<>    maintain   the 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  99 

ground  he  had  claimed,  for  cultivation.  They  all  net- 
tled around  the  place  where  their  father  died,  and  gave 
to  the  region  an  importance  which  attracted  attention 
at  the  time,  and  which  is  well  known  over  the  county 
yet.  Five  of  the  sons  of  the  pioneer  are  yet  living — 
Joseph,  Abraham,  George,  John,  and  James — and 
around  them  live  their  children  and  grandchildren. 
This  is  probably  the  most  densely  populated  of  any 
settlement  now  in  the  county.  Twenty-two  years  ago, 
a  Methodist  society  was  organized  in  the  settlement,  by 
Rev,  Lopez,  and  has  been  an  institution  ever  since, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  Southern  Illinois  Confer- 
ence. In  1855,  a  church  edifice  was  completed  and 
christened  "  Palestine  Church." 

With  Harmon's  family  came  John  Youno,  who 
located  upon  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Hargus,  in 
the  region  of  Ellis'  Grove.  Stephen  Young,  living  in 
the  same  neighborhood,  is  a  son  of  John  Young. 

1812. — In  1812,  William  Nelson,  (an  Irishman  by 
birth,)  from  Abbeville,  South  Carolina,  settled  on 
Horse  Creek.  He  was  a  man  of  enterprising  habits, 
and  erected  a  distillery,  which  gave  to  his  place  an 
attractive  importance.  He  became  a  prominent  man, 
and  held  the  office  of  County  Commissioner,  and  was 
Justice  of  the  Peace  for  a  long  term  of  years.  He 
died  in  184-4,  upwards  of  seventy  years  of  age.  He 
had  four  sons — John  G.,  Isaac,  William,  Eobert,  and 
Wilson — all  of  whom  (except  the  last  one,)  became 
citizens  of  the  county.  John  G.  Nelson  was  often 
elected  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  at  one  time  was  elected 
County  Commissioner.  He  died  in  1852.  Isaac  H. 
Nelson,  Clerk  of  the  County  Court,  is  a  son  of  John 
G.  Nelson.  Isaac  is  still  living  upon  the  old  place  of 
his  father,  having  filled   the   office  of  Justice  of  the 


100  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

Peace  for  many  years.  William  and  Robert  settled, 
lived,  and  died  close  by  the  farm  where  their  father 
settled. 

1812. — Hugh  Leslie  came  from  Abbeville,  South 
Carolina,  with  Nelson;  Samuel,  and  Matthew  Leslie, 
living  in  Hill  Prairie,  are  his  sons. 

During  the  year  1812,  the  hostility  of  the  Indians 
rendered  it  necessary  for  all  the  settlements  to  seek 
protection  in  the  Forts.  A  block  house,  or  fort,  was 
erected  in  some  central  position  in  all  the  principal  set- 
tlements. One  was  orected  in  the  Irish  Settlement,  of 
convenient  size  to  accommodate  all  the  settlers.  An- 
other one  was  erected  in  Dr.  Fisher's  neighborhood; 
another  at  Georgetown;  another  at  Jacob  Bowerman's. 
The  settlers  on  the  east  side  of  the  Kaskaskia  river  took 
refuge  in  Fort  Gage.  The  people  abandoned  their  pri 
vate  houses,  and  quartered  in  these  forts,  living  as  one 
family,  adopting  for  tho  time  being  something  of  a  com- 
munity system.  The  men  pursued  their  ordinary  busi- 
ness, but  never  left  the  forts  without  their  guns.  They 
were  sometimes  attacked  while  in  the  field  at  work, 
but  no  instance  of  a  murder  has  been  found. 

1814. — James  and  Samuel  Thomson,  from  Abbeville, 
South  Carolina,  arrived  at  Kaskaskia  in  1814.  They 
were  both  young  men.  James  taught  school  in  Kas- 
kaskia three  years,  then  located  upon  the  farm  where 
he  now  resides.  He  was  skilled  in  surveying,  and  was 
employed  for  twenty  years  in  the  United  States  Sur- 
veying Service,  and  has  in  late  years  filled  the  office  of 
County  Surveyor,  several  terms;  and  he  is  now  the 
chief  deputy  in  that  office,  with  its  full  control  and 
management.  He  commanded  a  company  of  militia  in 
the  Black  Hawk  war.  Under  Governor  Reynold's 
administration  ho  was  appointed  Judge  of  the  Probate 


'OF-  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  101 

Court,  in  which  position  he  continued  during  seventeen 
successive  years.  In  all  these  stations  he  discharged 
his  duties  in  a  manner  that  won  universal  satisfaction. 
His  profession  is  that  of  a  surveyor.;  and  whenever  the 
name  of  James  Thompson  is  mentioned,  the  idea  of 
surveying  is  suggested.  His  foot  has  probably  made 
its  impress  upon  every  section  of  land  in  Randolph 
county.  John  P.  Thompson,  who  died  in  1851,  while 
holding  the  office  of  Sheriff,  was  the  oldest  son  of 
James  Thompson. 

Samuel  Thompson,  brother  of  James,  was  also  a 
Surveyor,  and  often  held  that  office  in  the  county.  He, 
too,  was  employed  in  the  United  States  Surveying  Ser-. 
vice  for  many  years.  He  died  about  the  year  1848, 
leaving  a  large  and  respectable  family. 

1814. — "William  and  John  Allen,  from  Georgia  to 
Ohio,  from  whence  they  came  to  Illinois,  in  1814,  settled 
adjoining  the  Irish  Settlement.  They  were  upright, 
honorable  men,  and  highly  esteemed  by  the  community- 
William  died  at  North's  Ferry,  on  the  Kaskaskia  river, 
about  the  year  1840.  John  died  five  years  later. 
Aaron  M.  Allen,  a  prominent  merchant  of  Sparta,  is 
the  son  of  John  Allen. 

1815. — Alexander  Gaston,  from  Kentucky,  settled 
upon  the  John  McFarland  place  in  1815.  Ho  was 
succeeded  by  his  son,  Alexander,  who  lived  and  died 
upon  the  same  place. 

1816. — Andrew  Barders  came  to  the  Irish  Settle- 
ment in  1816.  He  was  then  a  young  man,  full  of  hope 
and  vigor.  He  lived  for  a  time  with  Robert  Foster, 
and  attended  his  distillery.  Afterwards'  he  located 
upon  the  farm  where  he  now  lives.  Possessing  a 
strong,  robust  constitution,  a  vigorous  mind,  and  clear 
judgment,  he  has  been  the  leader  of  his  neighborhood; 
*9 


102  HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 

and  by  his  industry,  economy  and.  cautiousness  in  tra- 
ding, he  has  become  very  wealthy. 

1816. — Thomas  Mudd,  from  Kentucky,  came  in 
1816,  with  seven  sons — Jamks,  Francis.  Edward, 
Joseph,  Piielix,  John,  and  Willtam — all  of  whom 
settled  on  the  high  lands  in  the  prairie  hack  of  Prairie 
du  Pioeher..  This  family  has  always  occupied  a  very 
respectable  position  in  this  county.  Three  of  the  seven 
brothers  are  yet  living — Edward,  (who  lives  in  Iowa,) 
Francis  and  John  live  where  they  settled  forty-two 
years  ago.  William  Mudd,  who  is  an  Associate  Jus- 
tice of  the  County  Court,  is  a  son  of  James  Mudd. 
The  family  has  heroine  very  numerous. 

Isiij. — Samuel  Crawford,  from  Tennessee,  came  in 
1816.  His  residence  was  transient  until  1819,  when  he 
settled  in  the  lower  end  of  Oppossumden  Prairie.  He 
became  a  popular  man,  and  was  often  promoted  to 
official  stations.  He  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the 
Peace,  was  Receiver  of  Public  Monies  in  the  Land 
Office,  at  Kaskaskia,  and  served  one  sossiqn  in  the  Legr 
islature.  His  sons  were  James  H.,  Hugh  M.,  William, 
tJrACE,  and  John.  James  lives  in  Galena.  Hugh  in 
Oamptown,  and  William  in  Florence ;  Stace  and 
John  both  died  in  California.  Hugh  and  William 
have  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

1816. — William  Fowler  came  from  South  Carolina, 
and  made  the  farm  on  which  Abram  Harmon,  Sr.,  now 
livos.  Ho  was  a  soldier  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and 
a  zeniouw  patriot.  When  he  died,  in  1846,  his  death  was 
deeply  regretted  by  those  who  had  an  opportunity  of* 
■MRVjihtihg  Ms  worth.  He  had  three  son>,  only  two 
tit  whom  came  t  i  this  county — James  and  Washing- 
.!  \vr>s  live  1  ii  ar  his  father  some  years,  nnd  then 
■n  >»  '1  to  lV:--;    '    mntv.     TTis  tw<>  sons,  Wit.t.iam  and 


OF   RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  103 

John,  became  citizens  of  this  county,  and  died  here — 
the  former  in  1856,  the  latter  in  1850.  "Washington 
lived  and  died  in  the  neighborhood  whore  his  father 
settled.     His  children  live  around  the  old  place. 

1816. — John  Layne  came  from  Tennessee,  and  settled 
near  Georgetown,  where  he  died.  Elisha  Layne,  now 
living  in  Chester,  is  the  only  son  of  John  Layne  now 
in  the  county. 

1816. — James  Slater  settled  near  the  residence  of 
Hughs  in  this  year,  and  lived  there  until  his  death. 
Joseph  Slater,  living  in  the  same  neighborhood,  is  the 
only  son  now  remaining  in  the  county. 

1816. — In  this  year,  Cornelius  Adkins  made  a  set- 
tlement in  the  lower  end  of  Short's  Prairie.  He  re- 
mained there  many  years. 

1816. — Benjamin  Brown  settled  in  the  Bradley  neigh- 
borhood. How  long  he  remained  here,  or  whether  his 
descendants  are  in  the  county,  could  not  be  ascertained. 

1816. — In  the  same  year,  Emanuel  Canady  came 
from  Tennessee,  mid  settled  near  the  Steeles.  He 
afterwards  moved  to  the  Bradley  settlement,  where  he 
still  resides.  Though  he  has  passed  through  the  priva- 
tions of  pioneer  Life,  and  reached  an  old  age,  he  is  still 
strong  and  active. 

1817.— In  1817,  "the  Bradley  family  settled  in  the 
region  of  Shiloh,  and  opened  the  way  for  the  settle- 
ment of  that  part  of  the  county.  Each  member  of 
this  family  was  a  tower  of  strength  within  himself. 
In  all  those  enterprises,  whether  civil  or  military, 
which  interested  the  public,  the  name  of  Bradley  was 
conspicuous.  J  amks,  Franklin?  William  and  Biciiard 
Bradley  arc  now  the  representatives  of  the  family,  an<4 
arc  old  men.     Their  descendants  are  naiso-'o  is. 

1817 — 'txrO''   r.lvv-j  n.vn  ?  i  >  th?  cnnt.y  ir*\l317, 


104  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

and  opened  a  farm  near  the  Irish  Settlement,  where  he 
lived  until  his  death.  Such  was  his  character  that  his 
descendants,  who  have  risen  to  high  positions,  may 
regard  him  with  feelings  of  pleasure.  His  sons  are 
John,  William,  Eobert,  and  Alexander.  John  came 
to  the  county  some  years  after  his  father,  and  lives  five 
miles  northwest  of  Chester.  He  once  held  the  office 
of  Judge  of  County  Commissioner's  Court,  from  which 
fact  the  appellation  of  "  Judge"  has  been  given  him, 
and  by  that  title  he  is  well  known.  He  is  the  father  of 
a  large  .and  respectable  family.  William  Mann  still 
lives  near  the  place  where  his  father  settled,  and  has 
his  children  around  hiin,  who  are  active  members  in 
the  community.  Eobert  Mann  has  filled  several  im- 
portant offices — was  an  officer  in  a  company  of  militia 
that  went  out  in  the  Black  Hawk  campaign,  once 
represented  the  county  in  the  Legislature,  and  filled 
the  office  of  School  Commissioner.  Alexander  Mann 
lives  upon  the  old  place  made  by  his  father. 

1817. — Colonel  Gabriel  Jones,  from  Adair  County, 
Kentucky,  came  in  the  year  1817,  and  settled  on  the 
farm  one  mile  west  of  Steelesville,  which  is  widely 
known  as  the  "  old  Col.  Jones  place."  His  talents, 
energy,  activity,  and  high  sense  of  honor,  placed  him 
forward  as  a  leader,  and  he  became  a  prominent  actor 
in  all  the  public  matters  of  those  times.  In  the  Black 
Hawk  war  he  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  Colonel, 
and  he  distinguished  himself  as  an  able  officer  and  gal- 
lant soldier.  He  has  represented  the  county  in  the 
General  Assembly,  and  filled  other  offices  of  responsible 
trust.  He  is  now  the  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Chester, 
and  holds  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Though 
he  has  reached  the  sere  of  life,  he  is  yet  active  and  vig- 
orous. 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  105 

1817. — Ignatius  Sprigg,  an  emigrant,  from  Maryland, 
settled  in  the  American  Bottom,  between  Kaskaskia 
and  Prairie  du  Rocher,  on  the  Rector  farm,  in  1817. 
He  was  another  of  the  sound,  practical,  honorable 
minded  pioneers,  and  the  people  often  testified  their 
appreciation  of  his  worth  by  electing  him  to  positions 
of  responsible  trust — first  to  the  office  of  County 
Treasurer,  and  next  to  that  of  Sheriff,  which  he  held 
during  a  period  of  ten  years.  He  is  now  a  citizen  of 
Arkansas,  engaged  in  the  United  States  Surveying  Ser- 
vice. 

1817. — James  and  Henry  O'Hara  came  to  the 
county  in  this  year,  and  settled  in  the  region  where 
James  now  lives.  Both  of  these  men  have  occupied 
positions  of  official  trust,  and  stand  high  in  the  estima- 
tion of  the  people.  They  are  both  still  living,  having 
attained  an  old  age.  The  settlement  where  they  live 
has  taken  their  name,  and  assumed  a  position  of  note 
and  importance.  St.  Patrick's  Church  was  organized 
in  this  settlement  some  years  ago,  and  in  1853,  a  church 
building  was  erected  under  the  supervision  of  Father 
Hane.  Father  Gifford,  a  very  old  man,  is  now  the 
officiating  priest. 

1817. — Curtis  Coon  came  to  Kaskaskia  about  the 
year  1817.  He  was  a  native  of  Boston,  Massachusetts, 
and  had  spent  several  years  in  the  West  Indies  engaged 
in  heavy  commercial  transactions.  After  remaining  a 
year  in  Kaskaskia  he  purchased  and  settled  upon  the 
Haskin  farm  two  miles  southwest  of  Chester.  His 
talents  were  of  a  high  order,  and  he  possessed  an 
energy  and  business  qualifications  which  peculiarly 
fitted  him  for  public  office.  He  filled  the  office  of  Judge 
of  the  Probate  Court  for  a  term  of  years,  and  his  offi- 
cial acts  in  that  Court  were  usually  regarded  with  high 


10t>  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

satisfaction.  In  every  station  where  he  presided  he 
was  a  model. 

1817. — Daniel  Alexander,  from' Maine,  came  to  the 
county  in  1817.  For  a  time  he  worked  at  the  mouth 
of  Okaw;  then  purchased  a  farm  in  the  Hughs  settle- 
ment, which  he  afterwards  sold  to  Charles  Stratton. 
Some  years  ago  he  went  to  Texas,  and  was  murdered 
there. 

1817. — James  McFarlanp  came  from  South  Caro- 
lina and  settled  on  the  west  fork  of  Mary's  river,  near 
the  Kaskaskia  road,  and  lived  there  until  his  death. 
Andrew  McFarland,  who  lives  in  the  same  neighbor- 
hood, is  the  only  surviving  son  of  James  McFarland. 

1817. — Samuel  Nisbet  from  South  Carolina,  made  a 
settlement  one  mile  east  of  Eden,  in  1817.  He  wTas  an 
industrious,  honorable  man,  and  a  firm  friend  of  the 
church.  But  few  men  ever  possessed  the  faculties  of  en- 
during the  privations  of  a  pioneer  country  more  than 
he.     He  is  still  living. 

1817. — William  Morris,  from  Ohio,  settled  in  the 
Oppossumden  Prairie  in  1817.  His  son  lives  upon  the 
same  place. 

1817. — In  this  year,  or  shortly  afterwards,  Gwin, 
Barrows,  Houseman  and  some  others,  settled  in  the 
Bradly  Settlement.  They  were  valuable  additions  to 
that  community,  and  men  of  high  character.  Their 
descendants  are  numerous  and  respectable. 

1817. — Henry  Will  settled  upon  the  point  of  the 
bluff  above  Kaskaskia  in  1817.  His  character  was 
that  of  an  industrious  farmer  and  good  neighbor.  His 
son,  Daniel  Will,  now  lives  upon  the  same  place. 
Around  this  point  an  important  settlement  was  formed, 
and  a  church  organization  was  made  several  years 
ago. 


OF  RANDOLPH   COUNTY.  107 

1818. — Joseph  and  Thomas  Orr,  from  Virginia,  set- 
tled in  the  O'Hara  neighborhood  in  1818.  Joseph 
was  chosen  Major  of  a  militia  regiment,  which  post  he 
tilled  with  creditable  ability.  He  was  an  early  citizen 
of  Sparta,  and  died  in  that  place  in  1850.  Thomas 
moved  to  Pike  County  in  1829. 

1818. — Benedict  Harrel  was  added  to  the  O'Hara 
Settlement  in  1818;  Cornelius  and  Thomas  Harrel 
now  living  in  the  same  neighborhood  are  hts  sons. 

1818. — John  Brewer,  another  emigrant  from  Ken- 
tucky, came  to  the  O'Hara  Settlement  in  1818.  He 
brought  with  him  six  sons — Thomas,  Felix,  Vincent, 
George,  Pius,  and  John,  all  of  whom  became  impor- 
tant constituents  of  the  community.  John  once  filled 
the  office  of  County  Commissioner,  and  is  now  a  Justice 
of  the  Peace. 

1818. — The  Hull  family  arrived  in  the  O'Hara  set- 
tlement in  1818.  They  were  from  Kentucky — four 
brothers — Norton,  Samuel,  Lewis,  and  Thomas.  Nor- 
ton Hull  was  a  conspicuous  man,  having  conferred 
upon  him  the  office  of  Captain  of  a  militia  company. 
He  and  his  brother  Samuel  died  where  they  located. 
Thomas  and  Lewis  died  in  Pike  County. 

1818. — In  this  year,  Kev.  Silas  Crisler,  from  Boone 
County,  Kentucky,  arrived  in  Illinois,  and  made  a  farm 
six  miles  east  of  Kaskaskia,  not  far  from  the  Harmon 
Settlement.  Possessing  strong  natural  faculties,  a 
large  amount  of  kindness  and  generosity,  and  some 
eccentricity,  he  became  widely  known,  and  highly 
esteemed.  Much  of  his  time  was  devoted  to  his  sacred 
calling.  Gravel  Creek  Church,  of  which  he  was  the 
founder  and  pastor  for  many  years,  was  among  the  first 
Baptist  churches  in  Illinois.  He  died  in  1851.  His 
three  sons — Abel,  Leonard  and  John  are  all  living, 


108  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

tiaving  been  highly  respected  citizens  of  the  county  dur- 
ing life. 

1818. — Amasa  Aldrich,  a  native  of  Worcester  Coun- 
ty, Massachusetts,  came  to  Kaskaskia,  in  1818.  He 
remained  a  few  years,  and  then  located  upon  a  farm 
two  miles  north  of  Chester,  in  a  region  around  which 
there  were  no  settlements  near.  He  was  the  pioneer 
of  his  settlement.  In  1853  he  died,  having  lived  to  see 
the  country  around  changed  from  a  wild  into  a  thickly 
settled  and  highly  cultivated  district. 

1819. — Alexander  Campbell,  from  Tennessee,  came 
to  the  Irish  Settlement  in  1819.  He  remained  here  a 
few  j'ears,  then  removed  to  a  farm  near  the  Bowerman 
Settlement.  He  was  a  quiet,  good,  industrious  citizen, 
and  died  in  1827,  leaving  a  large  family.  His  sons 
were  Edward,  John,  Andrew,  "William  and  Alexan- 
der. The  latter  three  are  dead.  Edward  lives  near 
his  father's  old  place.  Has  been  County  Commissioner 
and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  In  1838,  John  Campbell 
was  elected  to  the  office  of  Sheriff,  and  continued  in 
that  position  ten  successive  years;  was  afterwards 
elected  Judge  of  the  County  Court,  then  Sheriff  again; 
and  he  now  holds  the  office  of  Judge  of  the  County 
Court. 

1819. — Eli  Short  was  an  emigrant  from  Kentucky. 
He  settled  on  the  eastern  edge  of  the  prairie  which 
bears  his  name,  and  lived  there  until  his  death,  in  1844. 
He  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  having  enlisted 
in  a  Kentucky  regiment,  and  was  at  the  celebrated  bat- 
tle of  Tippecanoe,  where  he  received  a  wound,  from 
which  he  never  fully  recovered.  He  drew  a  pension  as 
long  as  he  lived.  Seeing  the  v^ant  of  Gospel  ministers 
in  the  new  country,  he  commenced  preaching,  and  con- 
tinued to  discharge  the  duties  of  his  holy  office  until  he 


OF  RANDOT.PH  COUNTY.  10d 

died.  His  oldest  son,  Abraham,  remained  in  Ken- 
tucky, and  died  there.  Three  others  came  with  him  to 
Illinois.  Denard  Short  settled  near  his  father,  and 
died  in  1830.  John  is  still  living,  and  occupies  a  form 
two  miles  east  of  Steelesville*  Jefferson  Short  went 
out  in  the  campaign  against  the  Indians  in  the  Black 
Hawk  war,  and  was  killed. 

1819. — David  Hathorn  came  from  Ohio,  and  settled 
first  near  the  present  location  of  Evansville.  In  1825, 
he  located  in  the  southern  end  Of  Oppossumden  Prai- 
rie, where  he  remained  until  his  death.  He  was  a  good 
citizen,  and  hore  the"  part  of  a  high-minded,  generous 
man.  His  sons  were  Samuel,  James,  Thomas,  David, 
and  William,  of  whom  James  alone  is  living. 

1819. — James  Baird,  from  Ohio,  came  in  1819,  and 
settled  the  place  three  miles  south  of  Sparta,  now  occu- 
pied by  Alexander  Wylie.  In  his  younger  days  he 
was  strong,  athletic,  and  a  leading  man.  He  is  now  in 
the  sere  of  life,  and  his  friends  are  as  numerous  as  his 
acquaintances.  One  of  his  sons,  John  Baird^  is  Judge 
of  the  County  Court  of  Perry  County. 

1819. — Adanijah  Ball  made  a  settlement  upon  Rock 
Castle  Creek,  in  1819 — penetrating  a  little  farther  into 
the  wilderness.  He  lived  and  died  in  that  region.  One 
of  his  sons,  Franklin  Ball,  became  a  prominent  man, 
and  once  represented  the  county  in  the  General  Assem- 
bly.    He  died  in  1856. 

1819. — Arthur  Parks  came  out  from  Kentucky  in 
the  spring  of  1819,  and  cultivated  a  crop  during  the 
summer.  In  the  fall  he  returned  and  brought  his 
family.  He  made  a  farm  on  the  eastern  end  of  Lively 
Prairie,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  which 
closed  in  1814.  Possessed  of  a  strong,  practical  mind, 
and  discriminating  judgment,  he  was  a  man  in  whom 
10 


110  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

the  people  placed  confidence.  He  once  held  the  office 
of  County  Commissioner,  and  was  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace  for  a  great  number  of  years.  He  had  eight  sons, 
four  of  whom  are  now  citizens  of  the  county;  James 
B.  Parks,  of  Sparta,  who  has  held  the  office  of  County 
Surveyor;  John  Parks,  of  Chester;  Arthur  and  Al- 
fred, who  live  upon  the  farm  of  their  father. 

1819. — George  Stratton  came  in  1819,  and  settled 
in  the  American  Bottom.  Soon  afterwards  he  bought 
the  land  on  which  that  part  of  Chester  situated  upon 
the  hill  now  stands,  and  made  a  farm  which  embraced 
what  is  now  known  as  the  Buena  Vista  Addition. 

1819. — Isaac  Bust,  a  native  of  Maine,  who  had  spent 
several  years  at  sea,  came  to  Kaskaskia  in  1819.  After 
remaining  a  few  years,  he  went  to  sea  again,  and  spent 
a  year  upon  the  "Ocean  Wave;"  then  returned  and 
located  permanently  in  Kaskaskia.  He  was  a  wagon 
maker,  and  introduced  an  improved  style  of  that 
vehicle  among  the  people  of  that  village.  In  1836,  he 
purchased  and  moved  upon  the  farm  two  miles  east  of 
Chester,  where  he  now  lives.  Firmness,  decision,  in- 
dustry and  generosity  are  the  leading  traits  of  his 
character.  He  is  the  main  pillar  of  the  community 
around  him,  and  often  neighborhood  difficulties  are 
referred  to  him  for  adjudication.  The  appeal  of  want 
never  reached  his  ear  without  a  cheerful  response. 

1819. — Shelton  Evans  and  Levi  Simmons,  settled  on 
the  point  below  Kaskaskia  in  1819,  or  probably  before 
that  date.  In  1825  they  moved  and  located  permanently 
in  Horse  Prairie.  Emanuel  Evans,  living  near  Bed 
Bud,  is  a  son  of  Shelton  Evans.  Levi  Simmons  left  a 
large  family.  One  of  his  sons,  William  Simmons,  was 
a  joint  proprietor  of  Bed  Bad. 

1820. — Bobkrt    Bratney  came  from    Tennessee    to 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  Ill 

the  Irish  Settlement,  in  1820.  His  life  was  that  of  an 
industrious  farmer,  good  citizen,  "and  generous  neigh- 
bor. But  one  of  his  sons  came  to  this  county  with  him. 
He  settled  upon  Plumb  Creek,  and  lived  a  long  and 
useful  life  in  that  community.  He  wTa3  the  father  of 
John  B.,  Robert  N.  and  James  C.  Bratney,  all  citizens 
of  the  same  neighborhood  where  their  father  lived  and 
died.  John.B.  Bratney  holds  the  office  of  Justice  of 
the  Peace. 

1820. — Martin  Smith,  an  emigrant  from  the  State  of 
New  York,  came  to  the  county  in  1820.  The  greater 
part  of  his  life  was  spent  in  Randolph  County.  His 
only  surviving  son,  John  S.  Smith,  now  well  advanced 
in  years,  lives  two  miles  from  Chester,  on  the  Plank 
Road.  He  improved  this  farm  more  than  thirty  year* 
ago,  and  he  has  spent  his  life  thus  far  upon  it.  He  is  a 
quiet,  industrious,  intelligent,  gooH  citizen,  and  an  ac- 
commodating neighbor. 

1820. — John  Thomison  made  a  farm  in  1820,  four 
miles  west  of  Sparta,  where  he  lived  several  years. 
Towards  the  close  of  his  life  he  spent  his  time  with  his 
children,  in  Short's  Prairie.  George  Thomison,  a  highly 
respected  citizen  and  merchant  of  Steelesville,  is  a  son 
of  John  Thomison. 

1820. — Mr.  Adams,  from  Kentucky,  settled  in  Horse 
Prairie,  about  the  year  1820.  He  was  an  excellent 
representative  of  the  Kentucky  pioneers.  His  son, 
Samuel  B.  Adams,  is  a  prominent  citizen  of  that 
prairie,  and  has  filled  the  office  of  Associate  Justice  of 
the  County  Court.  He  now  holds  the  office  of  Justice 
of  the  Peace. 

1820.— About  the  year  1820,  the  McDills— Thomas, 
William,  and  John,  settled  in  the  region  around  the 
present  city  of  Sparta.     They  became  the  leading  men 


112  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

of  that  part  of  the  county.  Thomas  McDill  is  }'et 
living  at  an  extreme  old  age,  an  admirable  representa- 
tive of  a  past  generation.  He  made  a  farm  one  mile 
and  a  half  west  of  the  location  of  Sparta,  and  has 
lived  upon  it  ever  since.  William  and  John  settled  in 
Flat  Prairie,  where  they  lived,  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zens, for  a  long  series  of  years.  The  descendants  of 
these  men  are  numerous. 

1820. — Alexander  Alexander  came  in  the  latter 
part  of  1819,  or  the  beginning  of  1820.  He  was  from 
Chester,  South  Carolina,  and  located  upon  a  farm  one 
mile  south  of  the  locality  of  Eden.  He  was  the  pio- 
neer of  that  now  populous  and  wealthy  region.  His 
five  sons  are  still  living,  respectable,  industrious  citizens 
like  their  father. 

1820. — John  and  Samuel  Cochran,  from  Beliiist, 
Maine,  arrived  in  the  county  in  1820.  John  first  set 
tied  upon  the  farm  now  belonging  to  Mr.  Darwin. 
near  the  mouth  of  Mary's  river.  Soon  afterwards  lie 
settled  upon  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Isaac  Rust 
He  moved  away  to  Hancock  County  about  the  y<-;,  •■ 
1829.  Andrew  Cochran  made  the  farm  two  miles  ami  a 
half  from  Chester  on  the  plank  road,  which  is  occupi»"l 
by  the  Widow  Douglas.  He  moved  to  HancotV, 
County  about  the  year  1830. 

1820. — About  this  year,  or  probably  the  year  before, 
David  Carthcart,  John  Dickey,  and  John  McMillen, 
came  and  settled  in  the  lower  end  of  Flat  Prairie.  The 
arrival  of  these  three  men  with  their  families  added 
much  strength  to  the  little  settlement,  and  gave  it  a 
prominence  and  character  which  induced  others  to  set 
tie  in  it.  They  became  influential,  highly  esteem*.  ' 
citizens.  Their  descendants  are  now  numerous,  acH 
amonsf  the  best  citizens  of  that  region. 


OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY 


lis 


lsiM. —  Kuenezer  Alexander,  from  Chester,  South 
Carolina,  and  James  Anderson,  from  Pittsburgh,  came 
to  the  settlement  in  the  lower  end  of  Flat  Prairie,  in 
1821.  Mr.  Alexander  is  still  living,  having  spent 
nearly  forty  years  of  an  industrious,  useful  life  in  the 
same  neighborhood.     Ih"  has  a  large  family. 

James  Anderson  was  an  intelligent,  honorable, high- 
minded  citizen,  and  died  much  lamented.  lie  left  two 
sons — Francis  B.  Anderson,  Esq.,  of  Sparta,  who 
occupies  a  respectable  position  at  the  Randolph  County 
Bar,  and  James  Anderson,  a  respectable  farmer,  living 
near  his  father's  old  place. 

1822. — This  year,  Samuel  Douolas,  with  James 
Bean,  Thomas  McBride,  James  Redpath,  and  some 
others,  made  a  settlement  in  Hitchcock  Prairie.  Sam- 
uel Douolas  came  to  Illinois  in  1804,  with  John  and 
James  Anderson.  He  was  then  hut  ten  years  old. 
Having  reached  man's  estate,  he  married  and  located 
as  previously  stated,  and  became  an  influential,  leading 
man  in  his  settlement.  He  once  held  the  office  of 
County  Commissioner.  His  five  sons — John  A.,  Arch- 
ibald, Georoe  V?..  Samuel  II.,  and  James  T.  Douolas, 
are  all  living,  and  their  descendants  are  numerous. 

James  Coulter,  John  and  Alexander  McKelvey, 
settled  in  the  Grand  Cote  Prairie,  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  the  county,  in  1822,  and  were,  therefore,  the 
pioneers  of  that  region.  They  are  all  still  living,  hav- 
ing gathered  around  I  hem  a  numerous  population. 
They  have  always  held  a  respectable,  position  in  the 
community,  and  siood  high  in  the  church. 

in   the   same  year,    Klisiia,  Georoe,   Charles,  and 

Fortiss  Hitchcock,  settled  in  that  prairie,  fxpiu  whom 

it   has  taken    its  name.     There   is  none  of  this  family 

now  remaining  in  the  prairie. 
*ln 


114  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES 

Sometime  previous  to  1825,  William  Gwin,  Burke, 
Houseman,  and  James  Gillespie,  hud  settled  in  the 
region  of  the  Bradleys.  The  descendants  of  Gwin 
are  living  in  the  same  neighborhood.  John  K.,  and 
Thomas  C.  Burke,  sons  of  the  pioneer,  are  leading 
men  in  that  community.  James  M.  Houseman,  a 
respectable  farmer  in  that  region,  is  a  son  of  the  pio- 
neer. James  Gillespie  is  still  living,  and  the  people 
of  the  county  have  often  testified  their  appreciation  of 
his  worth  by  electing  him  a  member  of  the  County 
Court.  He  now  holds  the  position  of  Associate  Jus- 
tice. 


[Thus  meeting  each  pioneer  as  he  arrived,  and  noting 
the  locality  of  his  settlement,  a  mirror-like  view  of  the 
settlement  of  the  county  has  been  presented.  It  is 
-difficult  to  decide  at  precisely  what  period  of  time  the 
immigrants  ceased  to  be  pioneers,  but  reference  has 
been  made  to  them  just  so  long  as  it  was  required  to 
settle  the  various  districts  or  settlements  of  the  county. 
Omissions  have  probably  occurred;  indeed,  if  they  have 
-not,  it  is  remarkable.  There  may  be  some  inaccuracies 
respecting  dates.  The  authority  which  was  considered 
most  reliable  has  been  followed,  though  it  has  been 
difficult  to  decide,  in  some  instances  where  a  difference 
has  occurred,  which  was  entitled  to  preference.] 


Scattering  settlements  having  been  made  in  nearly 
all  purls  of  the  enmity,  the  transition  from  the  wild 
State  in  which  it  was  found,  commenced  with  deter- 
mined certainty.  Making  farms  and  raising  corn  was 
the  chief  occupation  of  the  settlers  until  about  the  year 
1  *_'.">,  when  they  commenced  planting  and  exporting 


OF    RANDOLPH    COUNTY.  115 

cotton.  During  the  next  five  years,  much  attention 
was  given  to  the  production  of  this  article  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Columbus,  (now  Sparta,)  and  several  cotton 
gins  had  been  erected.  In  1830,  about  eighty  bales  of 
cotton,  of  good  quality,  were  exported  from  Smith's 
Landing,  (now  Chester.) 

The  production  of  cotton  gradually  gave  way  to  the 
raising  of  castor  beans,  which,  for  some  years,  was  the 
chief  article  of  commerce.  Oil  mills  were  erected  in 
various  parts  of  the  county,  for  the  manufacture  of 
castor  oil,  which  was  shipped  to  eastern  markets,  and 
always  supplied  the  country  with  money. 

About  the  year  1839-40,  the  Messrs.  Cole,  who  had 
erected  a  steam  flouring  mill  at  Chester,  commenced 
exporting  flour  to  Southern  and  Eastern  markets.  This 
induced  the  cultivation  of  wheat,  which  has  gradually 
increased  until  now  it  is  the  staple  crop.  Corn,  oats, 
and  hay  have  grown  to  be  important  crops,  and  great 
quantities  above  home  consumption  are  annually  expor 
ted  to  foreign  markets. 

In  the  past  twenty  years  the  increase  in  every  de- 
partment of  agriculture  has  been  most  wonderful. 
There  are  now  thirteen  first  class  merchant  mills  in 
successful  operation,  and  yet  great  quantities  of  wheat 
are  shipped  to  distant  markets.  The  production  of 
fruit  has  become  an  important  item  of  commerce,  and 
the  soil  and  climate  are  found  to  be  well  adapted  to  its 
successful  growth.  Irish  potatoes  have  proved  a  profit- 
able crop,  and  farmers  are  devoting  much  attention 
to  its  cultivation. 

The  county  contains  about  five  hundred  and  sixty 
square  miles  of  Territory.  Its  western  boundary  is  the 
Mississippi  river — forty  miles  in  extent.  The  Kaskas- 
kia  river,  navigable  during  a  greater  part  of  the  season, 


116  HISTORICAL  SKKTCI1KS 

divides  it  nearly  through  the  centre.  It>  northern  and 
eastern  boundaries  include  the  extreme  points  of  the 
great  prairies  of  the  State.  Along  its  southern  border 
stands  a  heavy  growth  of  timber.  The  interior  is  an 
intermixture  of  the  boundaries. 

Though  the  agricultural  capacity  of  theeounty  is  im- 
mense, its  great  source  of  wealth  is  stone  coal.  Nearly 
the  area  of  three  townships,  in  the  centre,  is  underlaid, 
with  a  seam  of  stone  coal,  of  a  superior  quality,  vary- 
ing from  two  to  six  feet  in  thickness. 

The  population  of  the  county  is  about  twenty  thous- 
and. The  census  to  be  taken  next  year  will  probably 
show  a  greater  number,  as  the  population  is  increasing 
rapidly. 

For  more  minute  particulars  of  the  progress  of  busi- 
ness, and  its  present  commercial  capacity,  the  reader 
is  referred  to  the  sketches  of  the  cities  ami  towns  which 
follow. 


RANDOLPH  COUNTY  AGRICULTU- 
RAL  SOCIETY. 

In  the  year  1851,  the  enterprising  farmers  of  Flat 
Prairie  conceived  the  idea  of  organizing  an  Agricul- 
tural Society.  On  the  9th  of  January,  1852,  the 
Messrs.  Addison,  Crawford,  Ckaiq,  Robertson, 
Brown,  Beattie,  and  a  few  others,  met  together  and 
constituted  the  society.  Robert  Brown  was  chosen 
President.  Jacob  B.  Beattie,  Treasurer,  and  William 
Addison,  Secretary. 

The  first   Annual  Fair,  or  Exhibition,  was  held  the 


OF   RANDOLPH  COUNTY.  117 

third  Wednesday  in  October,  1852,  on  the  farm  of 
James  Craig,  Flat  Prairie.  The  second  Fair  was  held 
at  the  same  place,  4th  October,  1853.  And  the  third 
Annual  Fair  on  the  farm  of  William  Robertson,  Flat 
Prairie,  25th  October,  1854.  The  members  of  the 
Society — and  consequent  need  of  additional  accommo- 
dation having  greatly  increased — the  citizens  of  Sparta 
joined  with  those  of  the  surrounding  country  in  rais- 
ing subscriptions  to  board-fence  a  lot  in  Sparta,  which 
MY  Matthew  McClurkin  handsomely  gave  free,  for 
five  years.  On  this  lot  the  three  successive  Fairs  of 
'55,  '56,  and  '57,  were  held,  each  surpassing  the  other 
in  interest  and  attraction,  and  in  the  numbers  in 
attendance. 

In  the  early  part  of  1858,  the  Executive  Board  pur- 
chased a  beautiful  piece  of  land,  of  ten  acres,  at  Sparta 
—and  at  an  expense  of  nearly  two  thousand  dollars, 
have  had  it  substantially  fenced,  with  extensive  stables 
for  horses,  cattle,  &c.,  and  buildings  erected  for  exhib- 
iting ladies'  work,  mechanical,  and  other  articles.  On 
this  ground  the  Fair  of  1858  was  held,  on  the  Gth  and 
7  th  days  of  October,  and  every  year  they  are,  add- 
ing to  the  improvements  and  embellishments  of  the 
grounds.  The  grounds  and  improvements  are  not  the 
property  of  any  company  or  of  individuals — but  be- 
long to  whoever  are  the  members  of  the  Society. 
The  Officei-s,  and  Executive  Committee  for  1859,  are  : 
John  A.  TS"elson,  President;  William  Addison,  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer.  Executive  BoaH  :  Samuel  L. 
Boyd,  Wm.  Robertson,  James  Craio,  Aaron  M.  Al- 
len, and  John  Watson — with  Vice-Presidents,  who 
are  ex-officio  members  of  Executive  Committee — for 
Sparta,  James  Crawford;  for  Georgetown,  Her. 
Heightman;    Liberty,     H.   McLaughland;   Chester, 


IIS  HISTORICAL  SKETCHES  OF  BAKDOLl'tl  CO. 

Jacob  M.  Bair;  Kaskaskia,  Josuua  G.  Bubch;  Prai- 
rie du  Rochcr,  Wm.  Henry,  Esq.;  Union  Precinct,  K. 
D.  Durfef. ;  Buroct'd,  Wm.  Kutiierfori». 


WEMTEBK     HANDOLPH    COUNTY     ,\<i- 
TJICLLTUKAL    ftsOCIE-r^'. 

The  enterprising  farmers  around  Evansville  organ- 
ized an  Agricultural  Society  in  1854.  After  holding 
four  successive  and  creditable  exhibitions,  wisdom  sug- 
gested the  propriety  of  uniting  with  the  other  Society; 
hence  this  one  has  been  discontinued. 


DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP   i3   SOUTH,  RANGE  7    WEST.— KASKASKIA. 


A  NDERICK  JOHN,  fanner. 


BUYAT  JOSEPH,  fanner. 
Bauvaia  Alexis,        do 
Barker  Lemuel,  do 

Barker  Fayette,  do 

Barlow  William,  clock  repairei 
Beiter  Danatus,  shoemaker. 
Beare  Christopher,  farmer. 
Beare  John,  do 

Bilderback  James,        do 
Boucherie  Edward,  coroner. 
Barnskawky  Joseph,  farmer. 


Balweizer  Daniel, 
Bond  Squire  A.. 
Bode  Henry, 
Brown  Charley, 
Buyat  August, 
Buyat  Belonie, 
Burghard  Joseph, 
Burch  J.  G., 
Burk  James, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


OAPLOT  PIERRE,  farmei. 

Caplot  Antoine  P.,  do 

Caudle  Henry,  do 

Caudle  Gregory,  do 

Caudle  William,  do 

Caudle  John,  do 

Caudle  Elney,  do 

Caudle  Anderson,  Jr.,  do 

Caudle  Harrison,  do 

Cannady  Henry,  do 


Cannady  James,  laborer. 

Crew  John,  laborer. 
Chenoix  (Che-nu)  Julian,  farmer. 
Chenoix  Henry,  farmer. 
Canbery  Charles,  tailor. 
Conrad  John,  farmer. 
Colbert  George,    do 
Conant  Nathan,  do 
Conant  Sullivan,  cooper. 
Crisler  Leonard,  farmer. 
Crawford  William  II.,  cooper. 
Crisler  John  M.,  cooper. 
Cullen  Owen,  do 

Cullen  Daniel.  do 


DEPPE  F.  C,  farmer. 
Derouse  Peter,  wagonmaker. 
Derouse  Belo  J.,  farmer. 
Derouse  Lewis,       do 
Detrech  Conrad,  wagonmaker. 


E 


VANS  ADAM,  farmer. 


FEAMAN  JACOB,  capitalist, 
Feaman  Adam,  farmer. 
Fisher  Henry,  farmer. 


GARY  THEODORE,  farmer. 
Gant  Thomas,  farmer. 


120  RANDOLPH  COUNTY 


DANL  REILY.  E.  A.  REILY.  HENRY  REILY. 

DAN'L  REILY  &  SONS, 

KASKASKIA    MILLS, 

North  nf  tin?  Town  of  Kii>ka*kin.  an.l  Kast  of  Kaxkaskia  Kiwr.  Imy 

WHEAT.  CORN,  AND  COUNTRY  PRODUCE  GENERALLY ; 

And  keej>  on  hand,  and  sell  at  uniform  and  low  prices,  a 
full  assortment  of 


GROCERIES, 

MENS  AND  BOYS'  CLOTHING, 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

HATS    AND    CAPS, 
H^^iFt  nxr  ess, 

VWSLJSm WEI,  ®WS®SSff  l&l* 

TINWARE  AND  STOVES, 

Dye-Stuffs,  Paints,  and  Patent  Medicines, 

STRAW  CUTTERS,  PLOWS, 
LATHS,    SHINGLES, 

BR ESS ED  YiUlQW  PtNE  FLQQRfNG, 

And  Assorted 
\^HITB   FXJHE3   LUMBER; 

And  in  fait  every  article  thai  the  must  prompt  attention  to  the 
wants  of  A  growing  neighborhood  suggests.  Have  also  on  hand,  and 
will  sell  at  an  extremely  low  price,  the  second-hand,  single-flue 
Boilers  and  Engine.  Also,  one  of  Clark's  Flouring  Mills,  complete. 
A  rare  chance  for  getting  a  cheap  Mill   "^^ 


DIRECTORY. 


121 


TOWNSHIP  6  SOUTH.  RANGE  7  WJBST._KASK.ASK  I  A. 


Cant  Allied. 

rainier. 

Gant  Harvey, 

do 

Gant  Wesley, 

do 

Gant  Robert, 

do 

Gant  William, 

do 

Gant  Thomas,  Jr.. 

do 

Gardner  A., 

do 

Goulding  James. 

do 

Gubernntej'  G.:rg< 

E-,  (arm 

TTULS  JOEL,  S 
11   Hals  Joel,  Jr 

r.,  farmer 

^ 

Hartman  Michael 

Hauey  Patrick, 

d 

Hargus  James  H.. 

d 

Hauey  John, 

do 

Haney  James, 

do 

Harmon  Joseph. 

do 

Harm"ii  James, 

do 

Harmon  Henry. 

do 

Harmon  Elijah, 

do 

Harmon  Michael. 

do 

Harmon  Abram.  J 

r..  coopei 

Harmon  John,  Sr. 

farmer. 

Harmon  Lewis, 

do 

Harmon  Felix. 

do 

Harris  E..  mere  ha 

n(. 

Harris  John,     do 

Heard  James,  farmer. 

Harmon  James,  farmer. 

Heard  Joseph. 

do 

Heard  William. 

do 

Hill  Stephen. 

do 

Hock  Henry, 

do 

Hunt  James, 

do 

Hunt  Henry, 

do 

Hughes  Henry. 

do 

Hughes  John, 

ilu 

High**  .T-...n*?. 

do 

o.VKs  ARMSTEAD, 

Ji  ,i\"-<   Aviiwir.-i.l,   Jr. 


K 


Kainyuski  Otto,  physician. 

Kavanaugh  John,  farmer. 
Karsfetter  Samuel,     do 
Karstotter  Martin,     do 
Karstetter  William,  do 


LA0I1APELLE  LEWIS,   far- 
mer. 
LaChnpelle  John,  farmer. 
Labrier  Antoine,         do 
Labrier  Peter,  do 

Leavitt  Abijah.  do 

Leavitt  John,  do 

Leavitt  Edward.  do 

Ledbetter  John,  do 

Ledbetter  Martin.  do 
Lehnherr  Jacob,  do 

Leming  Harvey,  do 
Leniing  William.  do 
Link  John,  do 

Lilly  John  J.,  do 

Linch  Laae.  do 

Lortz  Hem  v  M..  blacksmith. 


A  VAN  A  UGH  DAVL&J. 
K»nc  John,  farmer 

n 


M 


M  KEY   . I  AMES,  farmer. 
Mackey  William,     do 
Mackcy  Ga  do 

Mann  Jonathan  "R.,  do 

Mann  W.  II..  do 

Mann  John,  do 

Maun  Alfred,  do 

Maxwell  Robert  A.,  do 

Maxwell  William,  do 

Maxwell  John.  do 

Maxwell  Ferdinand,  merchant. 
Menard  Edmund,   farmer. 
Milligan  William  A.,  farmer. 


MilligHji  -lames. 
Milligan  Th 
Morn-. ■,  II.  II., 
M-irpl.v  William, 
Murphv  '  'wen. 
Mulhofhuid  Willi 

lMevi  ;-  rhri-tian. 

ilMonii-.i   <,.:.',■■ 


do 

do 
do 
do 
do 
;'o 
do 
do 


\11  RANJJOUMi   COUNTY 


KASKASKtA  STOKE, 

GEORGE  W.  STALEY, 

MERCHANT  &  SHIPPER, 

KASKASKIA,  ILL., 

Announces  to  the  public  that  lie  has   on    hand 

A  COMPLETE  ASSORTMENT 

OF 


% 

which  will  he  found  to  embrace  every  article  the  mar- 
ket demands.  The  ladies  are  requested  to  call  and  ex- 
amine his 

FINE  AND  FANCY 

DRESS  SILKS, 

Which  they  will  find  particularly  attractive.  A  full 
supply  of 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

HATS   AND    CAPS, 


COFFEE,    SUGAR,    MOLASSES,    TAR, 
TOB-A-OOO, 

And  every  article  necessary  to  the  wants  of  the  eunii- 
trv,  always  on  hand. 

G.  W.  STALEY. 

KASKASKIA,  OCT.  15,    1859. 


DIRKCTOUY. 


123 


TOWNSHIP  •»  solTH.  RANCE  7  WEST.— KASKASKIA. 


McDonough  Thomas  J.,  farmer. 
Morrison,  Rev.  A.  A. 
Morrison  Hugh,  teacher. 


NIFONG  JOHN,  farmer. 
Nifong  II.,  do 

Nixon  William  J.,         do 
Nixon  James,  do 

Nixon  William,  do 


OATT  JOHN,  farmer. 
Owens  Anthony,  farmer. 
Owens  George  L.,  do 

Owens  Timothy,  do 


PEARMAN  JAMES,  fanner. 
Pearman  Jesse,  do 

Pariset  P.,  farmer. 
Porter  Joseph,  fanner. 
Porter  II.,  do 

Prew  Francis,      do 


j>EILY    tMNtEb,   aiii.er 
l\j  merchant. 
Raleigh  William,  farmer. 
Roam  John,  do 

Rnekenberg  Henry,  fanner. 
Rocke  John,  farmer. 
Rocke  Thomas,  do 
Ruckle  John,      do 
Roberts  Hiram,  farmer. 
Roberts  Jacob,        do 
Roberts  Perry,        do 
Roberts  Wiley,         do 
Roberts  Volncy.      do 
Roberts  Daniel  P.,  lawyer. 
Runck  Frederick  E.,  fanner. 
Runek  Fred. 


s 


EYMOUR  EDWARD,  farmer. 
Seymour  George.  do 


Seymour  Henry,  farmer. 
Seharppell  John  S.,  farmer. 
Seharppcll  John.  do 

Sinker  Henry,  do 

Smith  William,  do 

Smith  Stephen.  do 

Snow  William  E..  do 

Spindle  John  D.,  do 

Styles  David,  do 

Stype    Henry,    Justice    of    the 

Peace. 
Staley  George  W.,  merchant. 
Sulser  R.  M.,  farmer. 
Sykes  Aaron  B.,  farmer. 
Stanley  Joseph,  laborer. 


UHLS  ALONZO,  farmer. 
Unger  Eli,  do 

linger    Phillip,    merchant 
Postmaster. 


and 


VERLIN  JOSEPH,  farmer. 
Vansan  Samuel,         do 
Vansam  William,  do 


WELCH  JOHN,  farmer. 
Weigcl  Peter,      do 
Wundt  W.  H.,  do 

Williamson  Bird,  do 

Weir  James  W.,  do 

Weir  William  J.,  farmer. 
Wiswell  Andrew. 
Wissal  Conrad. 
Wood  A.  C. 
Walster  Nicholas. 
Wright  Isaac,  Jr.,  farmer. 
Wheeler  James  M.,  do 


YOUNG  ANDREW,  farmer. 
Young  Stephen;        do 


124 


RANDOLPH  COUNTY 


OLD  STONE  STORE. 
OLDEST  ESTABLISHED  HOUSE  IN  (HESTER. 


The  proprietors  of  the  "  Old  Stone  Store"  would  call 
the  attention  of  the  public  to  their 

HVUVHUHSTfiHE:    STOCK 


m.Y^M 


CLOTHING, 

SUPERIOR  KERSEYS, 

loofs  km  shoes 


w  —  >r  i 

Hats    and  C&ijps, 

Which  they  offer  for  s;;le  at 

EXTREMELY  LOW  PRICES. 

Til  KIR 

©L£SS   SB®  ©WSSUST/i^l 

Is  of  ;i  superior  hind,  and  offered  for  f^alo  at  very  low 
rates.     A  heavy  Stock  of' 

IRON,  NAILS,  SPADES,  SHOVELS,  FORKS, 
PLOWS,  &C,  ALWAYS  ON  HAND. 
J.  H.  &  G.  S.  JONES. 


CHESTER. 


In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1819,  a  company  was 
organized  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  composed  of  the  late 
Major  William  Oliver,  W.  Bart,  David  Brown, 
Daniel  D.  Smith  and  others,  for  the  purpose  of  pur- 
chasing the  lands  at  the  junction  of  the  Mississippi  and 
Kaskaskia  rivers.  Danill  D.  Smith  (afterwards  killed 
by  Winchester,  at  Edwardsville,)came  to  Illinois  as 
the  agent  of  the  company  and  purchased  a  large  tract 
of  land  near  the  mouth  of  the  Kaskaskia,  and  com- 
menced what  he  intended  should  he  the  future  metropolis 
of  Illinois,  and  named  it  Portland.  The  year  following, 
the  late  Benjamin  A..  Porter  ^afterwards  the  founder 
of  Helena,  Arkansas,)  came  out  and  erected  a  number 
of  dwellings  under  a  contract  with  the  proprietors,  and 
also  built  a  steam  mill.  But  towns  in  those  days  were 
not  needed,  and  despite  the  prodigious  efforts  of  the 
proprietors,  this  town  obstinately  refused  to  grow. 
Ten  yoava  afterwards  it  had  become  a  ruin,  and  now  only 
the  faint  vestige  of  the  mill  may  be  seen. 

In  182!)  Samuel  Smith,  James  L.  Lamb  and  Thomas 
Mather  purchased  the  land  on  which  Chester  now 
stands,  from  the  late  Judge  John  McFerren  who  had 
entered  it  in  the  year  1818.  In  the  summer  of  1829 
Mr.  Smith  built  the  first  house  iu  Chester,  the  same 
*11 


126  RANDOLPH  COUNTY 

that  is  now  occupied  by  R.  II.  Mann  as  a  residence. 
In  the  same  year  Mr.  Smith  commenced  the  erection  of 
a  mill  on  what  was  then  known  as  the  "screw  anger" 
principle.  This,  however,  was  abandoned  before  com- 
pletion. 

In  the  fall  of  1829,  Mather,  Lamb  &  Co.,  (then 
merchants  of  Kaskaskia,)  built  a  slaughter  house  for 
the  purpose  of  slaughtering  and  packing  the  beef  of 
the  county,  which  was  then  plenty,  and  of  good  quality. 
In  the  same  year  Mr.  S.  B.  Opdyke,  representing  the 
house  of  Mather,  Lamb  &  Co.,  built  a  storehouse  and 
opened  a  stock  of  goods.  A  large  warehouse  was 
erected  at  the  same  time. 

In  the  spring  of  1831,  Samuel  Smith  laid  off  that 
part  of  his  land  below  Wall  street  into  town  lots,  and 
Mather,  Lamb  &  Co.,  laid  off  a  few  lots  above  AVall 
street.  The  idea  of  building  a  town  having  become 
fixed,  Mrs.  Jane  Smith  gave  it  the  name  of  Chester — 
she  was  a  native  of  Chester,  England.  At  this  time  the 
population  consisted  of  Samuel  Smith,  Setii  Allen, 
R.  B.  Servant,  with  their  families,  and  S.  B.  Opdyke, 
Elias  R elder  and  Samuel  Perry.  The  late,  lamented 
Setit  Allen,  had  established  a  cooper  shop  in  1829, 
which  he  conducted  for  a  number  of  years,  manufac- 
turing barrels  for  packing  beef,  and  for  castor  oil.  R. 
B.  Servant  established  a  mill  for  the  manufacture  of 
castor  oil,  in  the  fall  of  1*30,  which  for  several  years 
was  the  institution  of  the  place,  and  gave  to  the  young 
town  a  considerable  commercial  importance.  In  1831 
Silas  Leland  established  a  blacksmith  shop.  The  first 
brick  house  in  this  place  was  erected  by  Amizi  An- 
drews, in  1832.  This  house  was  knocked  down  in 
1844,  by  a  steamboat.  The  same  year,  Horace  Francis 
orccted  the  stone  building  which  he  now  occupies.     At 


DIRECTORY.  127 

this  time  forest  trees  were  growing  around  where  the 
mill,  Swan  wick's  Row  and  Holmes'  residence  now 
stand.  Tho  storehouse  now  occupied  by  D.  Block 
&  Bro.  was  built  by  Holmes  &  Swanwick  in  1833, 
in  which  they  opened  the  second  stock  of  goods  ever 
brought  to  this  town. 

About  this  time,  the  venerable  father  Mathews,  then 
in  manhood's  vigor,  commenced  holding  religious  ser- 
vice, and  gave  an  origin  to  tho  Presbyterian  church 
of  Chester. 

The  first  physician  of  Chester  was  Dr.  Barree,  who 
located  in  1834,  but  died  shortly  afterwards.  Dr.  Fer- 
ris, who  was  a  prominent  physician  of  Chester  for 
several  years,  came  in  18:45.  In  the  same  year  Walker 
&  Wilkerson  opened  a  large  grocery  store.  The 
Messrs.  Cole  built  a  mill  in  the  lower  part  of  town,  in 
1837.  It  was  both  a  saw  and  grist  mill.  At  the  same 
time  a  ferry  boat,  driven  by  horse  power,  took  the  place 
of  the  flat  boat  which  had  become  inadequate  to  the 
business.  These  horse  boats  gave  place  to  steam  ferry 
boats  about  1849.  In  1836  a  frame  school  house  (the 
house  now  used  as  the  African  church,)  was  built  and 
used  as  a  union  church  and  Sunday  school  room.  The 
Messrs.  Cole  made  improvements  in  their  mill  in  1839, 
and  commenced  exporting  flour  to  the  southern  mar- 
kets. 

In  1840,  the  name  of  the  Presbyterian  church  was 
changed  from  theKaskaskia  to  the  Chester  Presbyterian 
church,  and  Rev.  C.  C.  Rir.c.s  became  the  permanent 
pastor.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  B.  F.  Spillman, 
late  of  Shawneetown.  In  1846,  the  stone  church  was 
commenced,  and  completed  the  year  following.  The 
late  Rev.  John  Kennedy  assumed  the  pastoral  charge 
of  the  church  in  the  early  part  of  1850,   and  continued 


128  RANDOLPH  COUNTY 

until  relieved  by  death,  in  the  summer  of  1851.  Rov. 
P.  D.  Youno  succeeded  to  the  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion in  tho  latter  part  of  1H52,  and  remained  until  1856. 
Re*.  B.  II.  Ciiarlks  took  charge  of  the  church  in  the 
latter  part  of  1857,  and  he  is  now  the  officiating  pastor. 

A  Baptist  church  was  organized  under  the  ministerial 

labors  of  Rev. Peters,  of  Waterloo,  as  early  as 

1842,  and  probably  some  years  before.  Capt.  Rogers, 
a  devoted  Christian,  was  an  active,  zealous  member 
of  this  church;  and  contributed  much  to  its  prosperity. 

Rov.  Jenkins  became  pastor  of  the  church  in 

1845,  and  continued  to  labor  for  (lie  congregation  nearly 
three  years.  After  bis  retirement  the  church  was  left 
without  a  pastor,  and  during  a  two  years  absence  of 
Capt.  Rookrs,  about.  1849-50,  tho  organization  was 
abandoned.  On  the  return  of  ('apt.  Rookrs,  in  1851, 
'he  collected  the  members  together,  an  1  fleeted  a  new 
organization.  Rev.  1).  L.  Pnn-uis  occasionally 
preached  for  the  congregation.  In  IS;");1.,  the  large  brick 
church  was  erected,  and  Rev.  J.  B.  Kelly  installed  as 
pastor.  In  the  latter  part  of  1854,  Rev.  O.  L.  Barler 
succeeded  Mr.  Kelly,  and  be  is  now  the  officiating 
minister. 

In  the  year  1840,  Rev.  II.  IIatton,  a  Methodist  min- 
ister, collected  together  six  communicants  of  that  de- 
nomination, and  organized  tho  Methodist  church  of 
Chester.  It  was  placed  under  the  Rout'icra  Illinois 
conference,  and  regularly  supplied  with  a  preacher.  A 
German  Methodist  church  was  organ i  .»ui  in  1848.  Tho 
two  congregations  united  tlieir  oftbi.i  and  erected  a 
brick  church  in  1850. 

The  Associate  Reformed  church  of  Chester  was  or- 
ganized by  lie".  James  McAulby  in  the  year  1843. 
The  congiegi  i<>ti  depended  upon  the  Synod  for  sup- 


DIRECTORY.  129 

plies  in  preaching  until  1858,  when  Rev.  W.  A.  Pollock 
was  duly  ordained  pastor  of  the  church.  Under  his 
offorts  a  church  edifice  is  in  course  of  erection  which 
will  be  :m  ornament  to  the  place. 

In  1S4  I,  Rev.  William  Mitchell,  a  clergyman  of  tlie 
Episcopal  church,  came  to  Chester,  and  commenced  his 
labors  with  the  few  members  of  that  denomination  liv- 
ing in  and  near  the  town.  Shortly  afterwards,  the  church 
was  organized.  The  unceasing,  quiet  labors  of  Dr. 
Mitchell  soon  gathered  strength  to  the  little  congre- 
gation, and  in  1848  the  fine  church  edifice  in  which 
the  congregation  now  worship  was  commenced.  Four 
years  afterwards  it  was  completed  and  opened  for  pub- 
lic service. 

Rev.  Mr.  Buttkrman  organized  the  First  Lutheran 
church  of  Chester,  in  the  early  part  of  1849.  The  fol- 
lowing fall,  Rev.  M.  Eirich  succeeded  Mr.  Butterman, 
and  commenced  at  once  the  erection  of  their  beautiful 
church  building,  which  was  completed  in  a  few  months. 
Under  the  constant  labors  of  Mr.  Eirich.  the  church 
has  gradually  increased  its  membership. 

In  1849  *  Father  Peren,  of  Kaskaskia,  came  to  Ches- 
ter, and,  collecting  the  members  of  the  Catholic  Church, 
first  commenced  saying  mass.  lie  occasionally  visited 
the  congregation,  and  performed  the  rites  of  the  church. 
The  church  building  was  erected  in  1*52.  Father 
Pf.rf.x  continued  his  visits  until  a  few  months  ago, 
when  Father  Ricpir.s  took  charge  of  the  church. 

Messrs.  Holmes  &  Swan  wick  commenced  the  erec- 
tion of  the  stone  flouring  mill  in  1842,  and  completed 
it  in  1846.  This  gave  a  fresh  impetus  to  the  prosperity 
of  the  place,  and  its  bounds  began  to  expand.  In  1848, 
Chester  became  the  county  seat  of  Randolph  County, 

*  Died  on  the  -1th  of  October,  1359. 


130  KAMml.l'U    COUNTY 

and  Lliv  large  Court  House,  (an  engraving  of  which  may 
be  seen  on  the  front  page)  was  erected.  From  that 
time  the  improvement  of  the  place  La*  been  steady. 

At  the  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  in  1*55,  a  city 
charter  was  granted  to  Chester,  which  was  adopted 
and  went  into  operation  a  few  months  afterwards.  At 
tho  first  charter  election  the  following  City  Counc« 
was  elected: 

JOSEFII  WILLIAMSON,  Ma  tor. 

Aid triii tii. — R.  II.  Crittenden  and  G.  S.  Jones,  First  Ward. 
I.  II.  Nelson  and  Henry  Stump,  Second  Ward. 
'•         Frederick  Buckman  and  Alfred  Wiutaker,  Third  Ward. 

1857. — At  the  next  annual  election  the  Board  consisted 
of: 

FREDERICK  BUCKMAN,  Mayor. 

Aldermen.— "R.  H.  Chittenden  and  A.  P.  Palmer,  First  Ward. 
I.  II.  Nelson,  and  Henrv  Stump.  Second  Ward. 
Alfred  Whitaker  and  J.  G.  Middendorf,  Third  Ward. 

1858.— Third  Board : 

SETH    ALLEN.    Mayor. 

Aldermen. — A.  Block  and  A.  S.  Palmed.  First  Ward. 

I.  H.  Nelson  and  Henry  Stump,  Second  Ward. 
F.  Buckmam  and  J.  G.  Middkndorf,  Third  Ward. 

.  1859.— Fourth  Board  : 

GABRIEL  JONES,  Mayor. 

Aldermen.— A.  Block  and  A.  Dunn,  First  Ward. 

I.  H.  Nelson  and  Henry  Stump,  Second  Ward. 
F.  Buckman  and  J.  G.  MiRRF.snORF,  Third  Ward. 

The  erection  by  the  city  of  a  large  public  school 
house,  in  1858,  closes  the  leading  events  of  her  history. 
This  building. is  mi  ornament  to  tho  place,  and  will  be  a 
lasting  monument  to  the  intelligent  spirit  of  her  citi- 
zens. 


DIRECTORY.  131 

Menard  is  ;t  part  of  Chester,  though  it  lies  outside 
of  the  city  limits.  It  is  the  scat  of  H.  C.  Cole  &  Go's 
extensive  commercial  operations,  which  gives  it  a  local 
character  and  entitles  it  to  a  name.  It  will  probably 
be  brought  into  the  charter  limits  of  Chester  before 
long,  and  constitute  the  Fourth  Ward. 


182 


RANl>ol.»'H    CulNTV 


F.  BUCKMAN 

Ha*    in  Store  a  large  and  carefully  selected  Stock  of 

FANCY  &  STAPLE 

Designed  for  the 

CHESTER   MARKET, 


9 


And  offered  on  such  terms  as  must  please   the  pur- 
chaser.    His  Stock  of 


{s  large  and  varied,  and  of  the  West  quality  and  latest 
styles. 

Particular  attention  is  invited  to  his  Stock  of 


3f 

Which  will  be  found  of  the  latest  styles  and  be^t  ma- 
terial. 

CLOTHING, 

Of  material  purchased  and  made  by  experienced  work- 
men, always  on  hand. 

ORDERS  FILLED  ON  SHORT  NOTICE. 

CATAWBA  GRAPE  VINES, 


ATV1> 


NATIVE  WINE  FOR  SALE. 


CHESTER  DIRECTORY. 


ANDREWS  AMZI,  druggist. 
Adams  Robert,  cooper. 
Allmyer  John  H.,  merchant. 
Allmyer  Frederick,  stone  mason. 
Allen  Thomas  G.,  lawyer. 
Anderson  Charles  C,  merchant. 
Anderson   A.   A.,   keeps  Chester 

hotel. 
Assman  William,  Physician. 
Andrews  Truman    Rev.,   farmer. 


BAUMANN    JOHN     F.,     cigar 
maker. 

Barler  O.  L.  Rev.,  teacher. 

Bewie  Carl,  shoemaker. 

Beare  Joseph,  merchant. 

Beare    Nicholas,   dumber    mer- 
chant. 

Block  Charles,  grocer. 

Block  David,         do 

Block  Adolph,    commission  mer- 
chant. 

Bommelman  F.,  shoemaker. 

Burns  William,  grocer. 

Bungie  William,    do 

Brown  Andrew  J.,  teamster. 

Brown  A.  F.,  laborer. 

Buckman  Frederick,  merchant. 

Burbes  Peter,  stone  mason. 


COLE  H.  C,  merchant. 
Cole  A.  B.,         do 
Crissey  Morris,  salesman. 
Cole  John  P.,  do 

Christian  James  M.,  stone  mason. 

12 


Clement  Judson,  Plasterer. 
Crittenden  Richard  H.,  clerk  in 

mill. 
Chapman  A.  B.,  Carpenter. 
Clieman  William,  grocer. 
Crain  Nelson  R.,  wagon  maker. 
Callaway  Thomas  H.,  constable. 
Charles  B.  H.  Rev. 
Childs  C.  J.  Dr. 
Clemens   Curtis  C,  proprietor  of 

"Democrat." 
Crisler  John  W.,  clerk. 


DECKER  HARMON,  teamster. 
Detmore  Lewis,  stonemason. 
Dillon  Martin,  stone  cutter. 
Dunn  Alexander,  merchant. 
Dunn  Frank,  clerk. 
Douglas  Thomas  R.,  salesmau. 


ELLIOTT  ED.,  engineer. 
Edwards  John  L.,  druggist 


FINNE  WILLIAM,  farmer. 
Francis  Horace,  street  com- 
missioner. 


GIN  DRAW    PETER,    cabinet 
maker. 
Gahrs  Henry,  cabinet  maker. 
Gansman  Frank,  blacksmith. 


134  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


HERMAN  C.  COLE.  ABNER  B.  COLE. 

H.  C.  COLE  &  CO., 

COLE'S  MlMf, 


CHESTER,    ILIi. 

MANUFACTUBE 


HF.  CUB  PUIS  ULTRA,  COLE'S  MILLS,  k  MM 

FLOUR. 


Sell  all  kinds  of 


DRY*** 


9 
GROCERIES 

HARDWARE,  IRON,  NAILS, 

And  all  descriptions  of 

LUMBER,  LATH,  SHINGLES. 

Also,  all  kinds  of 

Agricultural  Jmglemnrts. 

MAKE 

CASH  ADVANCES  ON  PRODUCE 

For  shipment  South  or  East.  Sell  Sight  Exchange  on 
Xew  Orleans  and  St.  Louis.  Pay  Cash  for  all  kinds  of 
bj^nv  Prod  uce. 


DIBEOTOET. 


135 


Gilster  Henry,  flour  packer. 
Griswold  George  R.,  Farmer. 
Gray  Emerson,  cooper. 
Griss  Frederick,  porter  at  Coles' 

mill. 
Gordon  W.  A.,  physician. 
Gnaigy  Jacob,  grocer. 


H 


ALL  E.  J.,  druggist" 
Hartenbergor  Jacob,  wagon 
maker. 

Hartenbergor  Peter,  teamster. 

Haskin  C.  I.,  keeps  livery  stable. 

Haskin   Charles    I.,   commission 
merchant. 

Holmes  J.  B.,  dealer  in  real  estate. 

Holbrook,  J.  C,  lawyer. 

Hoff  Nicholas. 

Horn  Casper,  hotel  keeper. 

Hobbs  Thomas,  butcher. 

Harmer  Geo.  W.,  clerk  of  wharf- 
boat. 

Hobls  James,  butcher. 


JONES  Jamais  H.,  merchant. 
Jones  G.  S.,  do 

Jones  Gabriel,  mayor  and  justice 

of  the  peace. 
Jourdan  James  B.,  saddler. 


KIPP  JOHN    HENRY,   sales- 
man. 
Knapp  J.  J.,  carpenter. 
Kerr  David,  druggist. 


LANNAMAN  HARMON,  clerk. 
Lakenan    William    R.,    gar- 
dener. 
Layne  Elisha,  carpenter. 
Leittleton  John  A.,  engineer. 
Lish  A.  P.,  brewer. 
Lybarger  D.  S.,  blacksmith. 
Loughran  Hugh,  merchant. 
Louguran  Charles,      do 
Jieper  A.  H..  physician. 


MATTINGLY,  J.  B.,  steamboat 
capt. 

Mann  Robert,  wagon  maker. 

Mann  Robert  H.,  salesman. 

Middendorf  John  G.,  merchant. 

Morey  A.,  lumber  merchant. 

Morrison  Thomas  S.,  lawyer. 

Montague  C,  plasterer. 

Montague  E.  J.,  publisher  of  Di- 
rectory. 

McCullun  Uriah,  cooper. 

McQuistan  John  C,  inn  keeper. 

McNabny  John.,  deputy  post 
master. 

Mann  John  H.,  teacher. 

McBrino  William,  keeps  hotel. 


NALER  ISAAC,  laborer. 
Nelson  Isaac  H.,  clerk  of  the 
county  court. 
Neville  Harvey,  Sr.,  lawyer. 
Neville  Harvey,  Jr.,  engineer. 
Nisbet    Hugh    B.,    proprietor    of 
"Democrat." 


0 


CHS  ADAM,  cooper. 


PALMER  A.  S.,  furniture  mer- 
chant. 
Paulus  John,  brickmaker. 
Phillip  E.,  grocer. 
Phillip  A.,       do 
Pollock  W.  A.  Rev. 


RALLS  J.  M.,  clerk  of  circuit 
court. 
Rader  Henry,  cooper. 
Robbe  Frederick,  laborer. 
Rehfeldt  William,  miller. 
Roberts  William,  saddler. 
Robison  James  W.,  capt  of  '•  Wild 

Duck." 
Ritter  Valentine,  grocer. 
Reno  John  W.,  cooper. 
Runger  Henry,  stone  mason. 


186  RANDOLPH    CODNTT 


CLOTHING, 

OF 

EVERY  VARIETY  AND  QUALITY, 


OF  THE  MOST  DESIRABLE  STYLES, 

AND 

SUPERIOR    WORK, 

RECEIVED    FROM 


* 


J±.T 


KSttftY  SHUTZ'S 


FRONT  STREET, 

CITY  MILLS.  CHESTER  ILLINOIS. 

A  full  supply  of 

BOOTS,  SHOES;  HATS,  CAPS,  &0. 

And  every  description  of 

GENTLEMEN'S  FURNISHING  GOODS,  JEWELRY,  &C. 
HENRY  SHUTZ. 


niEECTORY. 


137 


SONNAM ANN  HARMAN,  plaa  - 
terer. 
Bauppe  Henry,  Dr. 
Schuchert  J.  F.,  merchant. 
Bchuchert  William,  salesman. 
Schuchert  J.  F.  M.,  blacksmith. 
Schrader  Charles,  cooper. 
Shane  Phillip,  brickmaker. 
Servant  R.  B.,  justice  of  the  peace. 
Bhrader  £.,  laborer. 
Sherman  J.  G.,  carpenter. 
Shardong  Charles,  do 
Shutz  Henry,  clothier. 
Smith  Davis,  butcher. 
Smith  Thomas,  baker. 
Sonnanberg  Henry,  miller. 
Bpeekman  Henry,  gardener. 
Stump  David,  stone  mason 
Bttunp  Henry,  carpenter. 
Btolle  H.  R.,  grocer. 
Bwanwick  John. 
Swan  wick  Francis. 


TACKENBERY    HENRY,  tai- 
lor. 


Trefte  Frederick,  wagon  maker. 
Threldkell  W.  H.,  keeps  boarding 

house. 
Toppe  David,  carpenter. 


WALKER  E.,  grocer. 
Widen  W.  S., 

Warren  Stan/ord,  carpenter. 

Warren  Alfred,  teamster. 

Warren  John  K.,  carpenter. 

Wassell  Charles,  merchant  tailor. 

Wegner  August,  cabinet  maker. 

Weibuck  C,  mason. 

Wheerly  Raymond,  jeweler. 

Whitaker  Alfred,  furniture  mer- 
chant. 

Wilbern  James,  wagon  maker. 

Wester  Frederick,jailor. 

Wegner  Christian,  carpenter. 

Williamson   Joseph,   tinner  and 
stove  merchant. 

Williamson  C.  C,  keeps  ferry. 

Williamson  Francis  M.,  tinner. 

Williams  J. 


TOWNSHIP  7  SOUTH,  RANGE  7  WEST.— CHESTER. 


RPIN  MICHAEL,  laborer. 
i  Abbey  William,  farmer. 


BARNES  THOMAS,  farmer. 
Burch  J.  G.,  do 

Boga  Frederick,  do 

Benvenn  Lewis,  cooper. 
Bair  Jacob  M.  Sr.,  farmer. 
Bair  Jacob  M.  Jr.,      do 
Bair  David,  teamster. 
Bartles  C,  farmer. 
Brown  A.  F.,    do 
Burk  William,  farmer. 
Browder  William  M.,  farmer. 
*12 


CLAMPICK  JOHN,  farmer. 
Clore  Harrison,  do 


F 


ARLEY  DAVID,  farmer. 


GROSS  FERDINAND,  farmer 
Gindran  Franci3  C,  do 

Gindran  Peter,  do 


H 


ESS  ANTOINE,  farmer. 
Hanna  J.  C.  Jr.,    do 


138  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

CHESTER  &  ST.  LOUIS 

HEBDLAR  TRI-WEEKLY  PACKET. 

THE    FAST    AND    COMMODIOUS    STEAMER. 


WILLIAM  GARVIN, 

Will  continue  to  ply  aa  a  regular  passenger  and  freight  Packet  be- 
tween the  above  named  Ports,  leaving  Chester  every  "Wednesday, 
Friday,  and  Sunday  mornings,  at  7  o  clock;  and  leaving  St.  Lou  it 
■4Very  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday  evenings,  at  4  o'clock. 

ALEX.  ZEIGLER,  Master; 

JOE  8.  KEITH,     ) 

>  Clerks. 
JA8.  WINBURN,  J- 

WILLIAM  SANNEMANNTBRO. 

Would  announce  to  the  citizens  of  Chester,  and  vicinity,  that  they 
have  just  opened  a  large  Stock  of 

m       m       Hi 

FAMILY*  GROCERIES 

'in  their  new  Building,  at  the  angle  of  the  Plank  Road, 

OHESTKR,    ILLINOIS. 

They  have  also  in  Store  a  variety  of 

DRY-GOODS, 

To  which  they  invite  especial  attention.     Their  Stock  of 

BOOTS     A1>TI>    SHOESS 

Will  be  found  of  the  best  quality.  They  have  also  an  extensive 
Tariety  of  HATS  AND  CAPS.  They  invite  a  call  from  every  per- 
40a,  feeling  confident  that  they  will  be  able  to  please. 


DIRECTORY. 


139 


TOWNSHIP  7  SOUTH,  RANGE  7  WEST.— CHESTER. 


Harden  Joseph, 
Hi.-to  Christie, 
Herbert  Peter, 
Hoff  Nicholas, 


farmer, 
do 
do 
do 


JOHNSON  ROBERT,  farmer. 
Janna  Andrew,  do 

Janna  Michael,  do 


K 


IPP  F.  W.,  farmer. 
Eriege  H.,     do 


AHMANN  AUGUST. 


MARLIN  WILLIAM,  C,   far- 
mer. 
Miller  William,  farmer. 
Mitchell  Rov.  W.,  do 
Montreal  Joseph,  laborer. 
Montreal  Michael  Sr.,  farmer. 
Montreal  Michael  Jr.,      do 
Montreal  John,  do 


Menard  Lewis,  farmer. 


pETTIT  HENRY  N.  farmer. 


ROCKWELL  LAURIN,  fanner 
Rockwell  Ephraim  D.  do 
Rockwell  Justus,  laborer. 
Raville  John  B.,  farmer. 


SANDERS  CHARLES   L.,   far- 
mer. 
Seguin  Antoine,  farmer. 


TINDALL  R.  W.,  teamster. 
Tindall  Nelson,  cooper. 
Thompson  William,  farmer. 


WEIBUCK  CHRISTOFP, 
mer. 
Webb  Solomon,  farmer. 


far- 


TOWNSHIP  7  SOUTH,  RANGE  6  WEST.— CHESTER. 


ADAM    JAMES,   farmer    and 
lumber  merchant. 
A.dam  James  P.,  farmer  and  lum- 
ber merchant. 


Bisner  Henry,  farmer. 
BilderbackS.  P.,    do 
Brown  Lemuel  M.,  farmer. 
Brooks  John,  do 


BIERMANN  FREDERICK,  far- 
joer. 


CRISLER  ABEL,  farmer, 
Crisler  Thomas  J.,  do 


140 


RANDOLPH   COUNTY 


GAHRS  &  WHITAKEB, 

MANUFACTURERS   AND 


% 


% 


IN  ALL   KINDS  OF 


CHESTER,  ILXi. 


9 


AMZI  ANDREWS. 


JOHN  L.  EDWARDS* 


ANDREWS  &  EDWARDS. 

EVE 

at 


DEALERS  IN  EVERY  VARIETY  OF 


PAINTS,  OILS, 


DYE-STUFFS, 


YARNISHES, 


SPBRillT  @AS„  AUB@W@Lr  TU-RPgNTONi, 

BOOKS  AND  STATIONERY, 

JEWELRY,  PERFUMERY,  NOTIONS,  &C. 

CHESTER,    IUIj. 


ntRBCTOBT. 


141 


TOWNSHIP  7  SOUTH,  RANGE  6  WEST.— CHESTER. 


Gaesell  C,  farmer. 
Caney  August,  farmer. 
Clare  Abram,        do 
Clare  Franklin  B.,  farmer. 
Cander  Martin,  do 

Crittenden  William,  do 
Crawford  Hugh  M.,    do     (justice 

of  the  peace.) 
Campbell  Elisha,  farmer. 
Craige  Robert,  do 


DIXON  MUNGO,  farmer. 
Dame  Charles  R.,  farmer. 
Demack  Lewis,  do 

Douglas  RobortS.,  do 

Douglas  Adam,  do 

Douglas  Launcay,  do 

Douglas  Jame3,  farmer  and  mil- 
ler. 
Douglas  Andrew,  farmer. 
Dravies  Henry,         do 
Darwin  John  G.,  farmer  and  wood 

merchant. 
Dean  John,  farmer. 


EBERS  HENRY,  farmer. 
Emery  Robert,      do 
Esselmann  Bernard,    do 


FEY  PHILLIP,  farmer. 
Fleetwood  George,  farmer. 
Ful ford  Thomas,  farmer. 


GRAHAM  ROBERT  S.,  farmer 
and  carpenter. 
Gilchrist  Archibald,  farmer. 
Groh  Frederick,  farmer. 
Greenawalt  Henry,  farmer. 
.Griffith  William,  do 


HARTENBERGER  C,  farmer. 
Hays  Joseph  C,  brickmaker. 
Hahn  Christian,  farmer. 
Hanslek  Albert,       do 
Harkness,  George,  do 
Heine  Henry,  do 

Hinkback  Girard,    do 
Hillerman  Frederick  farmer. 
Hill    Thomas,  do 

Hindman  James  H.,       do 
Haney  John,  do 

Holloman  Ezekiel,  do 

Harnbush,  do 


JOHNSON  BARTHOLOMEW, 
farmer. 


KETTLER  CHRISTOPHER 
farmer. 
Kennedy  Eli,  farmer. 


Kean  Joseph, 
Knapp  Philip  C., 
Knapp  Jacob, 
Knope  Lewis 
Razma  Jacob, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


LIVELY  FLEMING,  farmer 

Lively  Reuben,  do 

Lawson  Mason,  do 

Lawson  Andrew  K.,  do 

Linder  Lewis,  do 

Lively  Richard,  do 

Lybarger  Edmund  S.,  do 


MASON  JAMES  W.,  farmer. 
Murchencosky  Peter,  do 
Miller,  Matthew,  do 

Miller  Henry,  do 

Myers  Peter,  blacksmith. 
Moore  William,  farmer. 


142  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


THOMAS  G.  ALLEN, 

gMtortmj  and  <|0unsetor. 

Will  practice  Law  in  the  Circuits  comprising  Randolph  and  adjoin- 
ing counties.  Also,  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State,  and  in  th« 
United  States  District  and  Circuit  Courts.     Residence  and  Office, 


JAMES  C.  HOLBROOK, 

grttonujj  and  (&0\hw\qx  at  <&w, 

AND 

NOTARY    PUBLIC, 

CHESTER,      -      -      -      -     ILLINOIS. 

OFFICE    IN    THE    COURT    HOUSE. 

Will  practice  in  Randolph  and   adjoining  counties,   and  Supreme 
Court  of  Illinois,  and  United  States  Courts,  Ac. 


THOMAS  S.  MDRRISON, 

ATTORNEY  AND  COUNSELOR  AT  LAW; 

OFFICE    ON 

SPARTA  STREET,  CHESTER, 

RANDOLPH  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS. 


HARVEY   NEVELL, 


OHETSTE5FL,    II_.1L.. 

RESIDENCE  IN  CHESTER. 


DIRECTORY. 


143 


TOWNSHIP   7   SOUTH,   RANGE  «    WERT.— CHESTER. 
OACH  SIMON,  farmer. 


N 


LDENSLAKER  PETER,  far- 


0LDE1 
mer. 


PETTIT  THOMAS,  former. 
Peck  Jacob  Sr.,        do 
Pinkerton  David  J.,         do 
Peck  Jacob,  Jr.,  do 

Proctor  Thomas,  do 


RAY  WALTER,  farmer. 
Rushka  M.,  do 

Riggs  David,  do 

Robison  Joseph  Sr.,    do 
Robison  Joseph  Jr.,    do 
Rust  George  S.,  keeps  hotel. 
Rust    Isaac,  farmer  and   wagiui- 

makcr. 
Runger  Frederick,  farmer. 


SHUTZ  CHARLES, 
Shutz  Benjamin 
Schrader  Frederick. 
Schrader  Julius. 
Smith  John  8., 


farmer, 
do 
do 
do 
do 


Smith  Francis,  fanner. 

Sullivan  Lesscnbee,  do 

Schzirkosky  C.  L.,  do 


TAGDER  JOHN,  farmer. 
Tindall  Reuben  Jr.,  farmer 
Telfer  Charles  M.,  do 

Turner  Wilson,  do 


Y 


TANOVER  SAMUEL,   farmer. 


WELGE  CONRAD., 
Whitson  H.  C. 
Williamson  Bird.. 
Wilcox  William. 
WiJagala  Martin, 
Wood  Enoch, 
Wood  John  M., 
Woolshack  Joseph, 
Woolshack  Voluntine, 


farmer. 
do 
do 
do 
do 
Jo 
do 
do 
do 


YOUNG    JOHN,    farmer     and 
tailor. 
Young  Richard  M.,  nurseryman. 
Young  James,  farmer. 
Yarres  Damon,     do. 


144  KANl>OLPH  COUNT1 


RAYMOND  WHEERLY, 

Denier    in 


WATCHES, 

Jewelry,  Spectacles,  Gold  Pens,  etc. 

Watches  and  Clocks  repaired  at  short  notice,  and 
warranted.  Shop  in  Chester,  on  the  Hill,  near  the 
Court  House 

D.  BLOCK  &  BRO , 

WHOLESALE  k  RETAIL 

GROCERS: 

DEALERS    IN 

FOREIGN  .Nil  IIOMESTIC  LIQUORS. 

CHESTER,    ILLINOIS. 

C.  WASSELL, 

MERCHANT  TAILOR, 

A. IV 13    DEALER    IN 

GENTLEMEN'S  FURNISHING  GOODS. 

NO.  2  SWANWICKS  ROW, 
_    Chester,  IllimQia. 

WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL  STORE. 

I  oft'er  for  snip,  at  my  two  places  of  business,  near  the  Court 
House,  in  Cheater,  a  good,  now.  and  well  assorted  Stock  of  Goods, 
consisting  in  part  of  Men's  Boots  and  Shoes;  Ladies',  Misses',  and 
Children's  Boot*,  Shoes,  and  Gaiters;  Family  Groceries ;  Hardware, 
Quernsware,  Nails,    Cedar  ware,  Stoneware,   Tobacco,  Notions,   Toys. 

Also,  a  large  assortment  of  Baskets,  from  a  very  fine  article  to  the 
strong  feed  Basket.  Whisky  by  the  barrel  and  half  barrel,  together 
with  other  articles  too  tedious  to  mention. 

Goods  will  be  exchanged  for  merchantable  produce,  and  the  best 
prices  paid,  by 

.A.    i»:h:x3l.h»je»<i 

CHESTER,  Sept.  17,  1850. 


DIRECTORY.  14;> 


•§9  *8k  '''a  V  4  'fe  ''®!i 


MRS,  E,  T.  k  MR.  A.  A.  ANDERSON, 

Proprietors. 

Un  Front  street,  one  square  above  the  Wharf-boat.  A  good 
stable  in  connection  with  the  House.  McCutchcon's  Hacks  leave 
this  house  daily  lor  Sparta. 

BANK  OF  CHESTER, 

The  Bank  of  Chester  allows  interest  to  Time  De- 
positors; buys  and  sells  Exchange  on  the  principal 
cities  of  the  United  States;  makes  Collections,  and 
does  a  general  Banking  Business. 

C.  MILTENBERGER,  Cashier. 
CHAS.  J.  CHILDS,  M.  D., 

hpician,  Jlur^n, 

AND 

OBSTETRICIAN. 

Oflkvi  opposite  the  Store  of  J.  H.  A  G.  8.  Joxrs, 

CHESTER,  D!kUI5«@liS. 


JAMES  H.  WATT, 

ri 


CHESTER,  ILLINOIS. 

OFFICE  IN  THE  COUPT  HOUSE. 


18 


140  RANDOLPH  COUNTY 

BOSTON      STORE. 

FP.6NT  STREET,  CHESTER,  ILUNOIS. 


M AMMQTH    8T0C K . 

JOSEPH  BEARE, 

Who  would  respectfully  announce  to  the  citizens  of  Randolph,  Per- 
ry, and  Jackson,  that  he  has  now  on  hand,  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  complete  Stocks  of  Goods  ever  offered  in  Southern  Illinois,  con- 
sisting in  part  of  every  description  of 

F»LA.1IV      VNTI3    FANCY 

gq>-#00k  (Ooi|ingt  Ciotjs, 

HATS,  GAPS,  SHIRTS,  SHAWLS,  MANTILLAS, 

BLACK,  FANCY,  AND  FIGURED  SILKS; 

3H,  French,  o_i:.:.:;.:;,  a:;:  ;.:.! ...  pk:nts, 

Bonnets  of  the  Finest  of  Texture  and  Latest  Styles  ; 

A  No.  1  ARTICLE  OF 

COFFEE,  SUGAR,  TEA  &  TOBACCO, 

HARDWARE,  QUEEtfSAYARE,  STONEWARE, 

And  a  thousand  and  one  other  articles  not  enumerated,  which  trill  '.« 
disponed  of  cheap  for  cash  or  country  proo  w. 

_  ALSO,  A  LARGE  LOT  OF 

PINE  AND  CYPRESS  SHINGLES, 
White  and  Yellow  Pine,  and  Dressed  Flooring. 

HAVING   HURCHA8JSD  MV    ST<M'K    CPOS  tiik  --CASH   SV>TKM.      I    i    w 
kVVOHD.  AND  1   AM  DETKIOIINKD  To  SK1.J. 

BXTKEMEI.Y    LOW.   FOR   CA^H- 


DIRECTORY.  147 


WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL  DEALER  IS 

PLAIN  AND  ORNAMENTAL 

f  U&NIYU&B. 

illf  ill,  BED  STEADS, 

TABLES,  DESKS,  SECRETARIES,  SAFES, 

MATTRESSES,  CRIBS,  BOOKCASES, 

WARDROBES,  CHAIRS, 

CHXTRISrS,  MIRRORS, 

CLOCKS,  AND  TRIMMINGS. 

In  short,  every  description  of 

FURNITURE,  CLOCKS,  *C„  &C. 

BRICK  ROW,  NEARLY  OPPOSITE  WHARFBOAT, 

CHESTER,  ILLINOIS. 

We  will  sell  as 

CHEAP  AS  ANY  OTHER  HOUSE 

In  the  Western  Country,  and  warrant  all  that  we  seli, 
"Nuf  sed." 

A.  S.  PALMER. 


148  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


1859.  1859. 


hy 


JOHN  C.  M  QUISTON, 

CHESTER,,        -----        ILLIISTOIW. 

PLANTER'S  HOUSE, 

Corner  Front  and  Angle  Streets, 

CHESTER,  -        -  ILLINOIS. 

WILLIAM  McBRINE,  Proprietor. 

STABLE  IN  CONNECTION  WITH  THE  HOUSE. 

TWO  MILE  HOUSE, 

CAMPTOWN,  ILLINOIS. 

The  undersigned  is  prepared  to  accommodate  customers  day  or 
night,  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner.  He  intends  to  keep  as  good 
a  house  as  can  be  found  in  the  country. 

j£35^  Horses  kept  by  the  dav  or  week,  on  reasonable  terms.  ■'H^ 

G-.  S.  RUST. 

ILLINOIS  HOUSE, 

Opposite  Wharf  Boat, 

CHESTER,  ILLINOIS. 

Travelers  will  find  this  a  convenient  and  pleasant  stopping  place. 

C.   HORN,  Proprietor. 

Bakery  in  connection  with  this  House.    *Ss^ 

C.  EL 


DIRECTORY.  149 


The  Quickest  and  most  Reliable,  and  at  the  same  Time,  the  most 
Efficacious  and  Pleasant  Article  ever  Employed  for  the  Hair,  is 

PROF.  O.  J.  WOOD'S 

HAIR    RESTORATIVE. 

The  New  York  Day  Book  says  : 

"The  majority  of  Hair  Washes,  Hair  Dyes,  Hair  Tonics,  Hah 
Oils,  and  the  numberless  preparations  which  are  now  before  the  pub- 
lic under  such  extravagant,  hyperbolical,  and  fantastic  titles,  as  we 
see  paraded  in  show  window  cards  and  newspaper  headings,  as  hair 
preparations,  are  all  humbugs  of  the  first  water;  their  real  merit, 
when  they  possess  any,  is  :  that  they  do  no  harm.  HOG'S  LARD, 
WHALE  OIL,  LARD  OIL,  SWEET  OIL,  scented  and  colored,  make 
up,  when  in  beautiful  wrappers  and  white  flint  glass  bottles,  the 
costliest  character  of  tonics ;  and  when  thus  costly,  are  baptized 
with  some  trisyllable  term,  aud  caught  at  by  verdant  young  and  old 
of  both  sexes.  Such  is  not  the  character  of  Professor  Wood's  Hair 
Restorative.  This  gentleman  comes  before  the  world  without  any 
'high  falutin'  Xilophlorium,  or  any  other  astounding  and  startling 
catchpenny  terms :  he  simply  advertises  a  Hair  Restorative — what  it 
expresses,  precisely — and  as  a  restorative  it  acts.  Buy  Professor 
Wood's  Hair  Restorative,  and  as  you  value  your  scalp,  aye,  your 
very  brains,  apply  nothing  else ;  for  it  may  be  that  you  will  get 
some  worse  substance  than  perfumed  lard  oil  on  your  cranium. — 
Remember,  Wood's  Restorative  for  the  Hair  is  the  best  article  ex- 
tant." 

IT  WILL,  BY  NATURE'S  OWN  PROCESS,  RESTORE 

GRAY  HAIR  TO  THE  ORIGINAL  COLOR! 

Will  make  it  Grow  on  Bald  Heads; 

Will  restore  the  Natural  Secretions; 

Will  remove  at  once  all  itching; 

Will  remove  all  Dandruff: 

Will  cure  all  eruptions — even  Scald  Head  ; 

Will  make  the  Hair  Soft  and  Glossy  : 

Will  make  the  old  appear  young  again  ; 

Will  preserve  the  Color  of  Hair  to  old  age  : 

Will  always  Fasten  it  and  stop  its  Falling  ; 

And  is  one  of  the  best  Toilet  Articles  for  the  Hair  now  in  use. 

Manufactured  by  0.  J.  WOOD  4  CO.,  and  sold  Wholesale  and 
Retail,  at  444  Broadway,  New  York,  and  114  Market  street,  St.  Louis. 
Mo.     Also,  sold  by  all  Druggists  in  the  City  and  Country. 

SOLD  IN  CHESTER  BY 

E.  J.  HALL,  and 
EDWARDS  &  ANDREWS. 
*13 


150  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

SPRING  HILL 

ACCOMMODATION. 

The  undersigned  is  making  preparations  to  devote 
his  exclusive  attention  to  tlio  entertainment  of  those 
who  favor  him  with  their  patronage  at  Spring  Hill. 


Will  always  be  supplied  in  a  style  thai  will  render  per- 
fect satisfaction  to  his  guests. 

TH13    STABLE 

Will  be  furnished  with  Corn,   Oats,  and  Hay,  and  kept 
in  the  best  of  order. 

X  M.  BAIR 


MARTIN    DILLON, 

DEALER    IN 

ITALIAN  AND  AMERICAN  MARBLE. 

MaNUMEN;T$8   TQMBSTONES,  gTC, 

Persons  wishing  to  beautify  the  last  resting  place  of 
their  departed  friends  with  something  neat,  appro- 
priate, and  durable,  can  be  accommodated  on  the  most 
reasonable  terms,  by  application  at  my  shop,  one  door 
north  of  J.  H.  &  Or.  8.  Jones'  Dry  Goods  Store, 

FRONT  STREET,  CHESTER,  ILL. 

Ah  none  but  the  BEST  MATERIAL  is  used,  per- 
sons may  rely  on  being  furnished  with  the  best  of 
material.  The  workmanship  will  be  executed  in  the 
most  beauttfal  style.  The  public  are  invited  to  call 
and  examine'dpeeimens  of  his  work. 


DIRECTORY.  151 


C.  LOUGHRAN.  C.  C.  ANDERSON. 

LOUGHRAN  &  ANDERSON 

DEALERS  IN 

FANCY  &  STAPLE 


BONNETS, 

HATS   AJKTID    OAFS, 

X&S1&&X  AX9  H®*X®HS, 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

HARDWARE  AND  CUTLERY, 

AND 

QUEENSWARE ; 

TOGETHER  WITH 

TEN  THOUSAND  OTHER  ARTICLES 

t@@  NMMte&Qis  t@  m  emtio  m. 

NO.  17  FRONT  STREET, 

01a.Qjstox%  111. 


152  RANbOLl'If    COUNTY  DIRECTORY 


^\\W^>       %^$&^%3 


O.   I. 

Front  Street,  Chester,  HI., 

Where  may  be  constantly  found  a  good  supply  of  first  class 

PROMPT  DRIVING  HORSES,  OPEN  AND  TOPPED  BUGGIES,  &  CARRIAGES, 

Which  will  be  let  on  the  most  reasonable  terms.     Passengers  con- 
veyed to  any  point  on  short  notice.     Horses  fed  by  the  day  or  week. 

SHANNON  HOUSE, 

Corner  of  Maine  and  St.  Louis  Streets, 
SPARTA,  ILLINOIS. 

THIS  WELL  KNOWN 

3?  5  J&  S  ff     ®i><^SS    U  ®  *!?  B  &, 

Having  recently  undergone  repairs,  now  offers  superior 
attractions  to  the  traveling  public.  Full}'  determined 
that  every  attention  shall  be  given  to  the  warns  of 
those  who  favor  this  House  with  their  patronage,  the 
Proprietor  respectfully  solicits  a  call,  feeling  satisfied 
that  ho  will  be  able  to  render  his  guests  comfortable. 

$&~  Stages  for  St.  Louis,  Belleville,  and  Chester, 
leave  this  House  daily. 

J.  P.  GUTBLIUS,  Proprietor. 


SPARTA. 


The  ground  on  which  the  City  of  Sparta  now  stands 
was  originally  purchased  and  owned  by  John  Armour, 
an  emigrant  from  Pennsylvania,  who  located  upon  it 
in  the  year  1826.  He  erected  a  small  log  house,  and 
made  a  farm  upon  the  ground.  Anticipating  the  wants 
of  the  growing  settlements  around  him,  and  being  a 
man  of  enterprise,  he  erected  and  put  in  operation  a 
tread-mill,  which  stood  near  the  spot  now  occupied  by 
the  Mansion  House.  The  erection  of  this  mill  was  the 
"  circumstance"  to  which  the  city  owes  its  existence. 
Eobert  G-.  Shannon,  (who  was  then  keeping  a  store 
one  mile  south  of  the  embryo  town,)  seeing  that  nearer 
the  mill  would  be  a  better  locality  for  selling  goods, 
purchased  a  small  quantity  of  Mr.  Armour's  land,  and 
erected  a  small  store  house  near  the  locality  where  now 
stands  the  large  brick  building  known  as  u  Shannon's 
Old  Store  House."  Here  he  commenced  that  success- 
ful business  career  which  so  distinguished  him  through 
a  long  life,  and  which  has  left  an  enduring  name  in  the 
annals  of  Sparta. 

With  a  mill  and  a  store  as  a  basis  for  a  town,  the 
enterprising  proprietor  had  his  land  surveyed  into  town 
lots,  and  proceeded  to  dispose  of  them  at  public  auc- 
tion.    The   first   lot  sold  was  purchased  by   Samuel 


154  RANDOLPH    rul'.NTV 

Hill,  for  the  sum  of  four  dollars.  This  sale  took  place 
in  the  year  1829,  from  which  period  the  place  may  date 
its  existence,  as  it  commenced  to  improve  and  assume 
the  character  of  a  village  from  that  time. 

Daring  the  same  year,  James  McClurken,  whose 
name  was  intimately  connected  with  the  progress  of 
the  place  for  thirty  years,  built  a  house  on  the  hill 
southeast  of  the  town.  In  the  same  }*ear,  Lawson 
Murphy,  another  of  the  prominent  citizens  of  the 
place,  established  a  brickyard,  and  commenced  making 
brick.  About  the  same  time,  Cornhill  Ballard  built 
a  shop,  and  commenced  blacksmithing.  Alexander 
Campbell  established  a  carpenter  shop.  Several  dwell- 
ings were  erected  in  the  same  year.  In  the  spring  of 
1830,  Dr.  Pyles,  then  a  young  man,  came  to  the  town 
and  opened  a  school.  The  year  following,  James  A. 
Foster  settled  in  the  town,  and  has  been  a  citizen  ever 
since.  Dr.  Joseph  Farnon,  who  has  been  the  leading 
physician  of  the  town  and  vicinity  for  many  years, 
located  in  1830.  In  1833,  William  H.  McDill  opened 
a  hotel.  In  1834,  John  A.  Wilson,  John  Little,  John 
Gray,  -Thomas  Gaston,  and  John  W.  Slade,  became 
citizens  of  the  town,  and  gave  it  quite  an  impetus  for 
improvement.  Slade  &  McClurken  established  a 
store — the  second  in  the  place. 

The  prospects  of  the  town  induced  a  steady  increase 
of  population  and  business  importance.  Sufficient 
progress  had  been  made  to  establish  the  certainty  of 
building  a  town,  and  the  beautiful  location  and  the  rich 
farming  lands  around,  which  have  since  been  reduced 
to  a  high  state  of  cull' ration,  increased  the  induce- 
ments for  persons  to  locate.  In  1836,  the  town  received 
a  valuable  acquisition  in  the  person  of  William  Ros- 
borough,  who  established  the  well  known  and  exten- 


DIRECTORY.  155 

sive  mercantile  house  of  which  he  is  the  senior  partner. 
He  opened  his  store  first  in  the  neighborhood  four 
miles  from  Sparta,  but  seeing  the  advantages  of  the 
location  and  prospects  of  the  place,  he  moved  into 
town. 

In  1837,  the  town  was  incorporated,  and  received  the 
name  of  Columbus.  The  first  Board  of  Town  Trus- 
tees consisted  of  Dr.  Joseph  Farnon,  Lawson  Mur- 
phy, John  A.  Wilson,  James  A.  Foster,  and  John  W. 
Slade.  A  code  of  ordinances  was  enacted,  and  the 
town  government  put  in  successful  operation.  The 
first  business  transacted  by  the  Board  was  imposing  a 
fine  of  one  dollar  upon  Robert  G.  Shannon  for  the 
offense  of  leaving  his  wagon  in  the  street  during  the 
night. 

The  brick  School  House,  known  in  later  years  as 
'Sparta  Seminary,"  was  built  in  1838,  and  though 
somewhat  antiquated  in  appearance  now,  it  was  then  a 
magnificent  structure,  far  in  advance  of  the  times.  It 
^ave  to  Sparta  her  reputation  for  schools,  which  she 
has  always  sustained  with  high  credit  to  herself,  and 
advantage  to  the  youth. 

In  1839,  a  steam  grist  and  saw  mill  was  erected  by 
James  McClurken.  This  gave  an  additional  import- 
ance to  the  commercial  interests  of  the  place,  and  new 
improvements  immediately  followed.  Mr.  McClurken 
had  previously  put  in  operation  a  cotton  gin,  which 
stood  south  of  the  town.  Cotton  was  raised  and 
shipped  in  considerable  quantities  from  this  county 
thirty  years  ago. 

In  the  same  year — 1839 — the  "  Columbus-  Herald'.' 
was  established  by  James  Morrow.  He  conducted 
the  paper  nearly  a  year,  and  sold  it  to  John  E.  Det- 
kich.     It  was  during  the  year  1839  that  the  name  of 


156  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

the  town  was  changed  from  Columbus  to  Sparta,  and 
Mr.  Detrich  changed  the  name  of  his  paper  to  "  Sparta 
Democrat." 

The  first  oil  mill  for  the  manufucture  of  castor  oil 
was  put  in  operation  by  James  McClurken,  in  1840. 
The  manufacture  of  castor  oil,  and  the  buying  of  castor 
beans,  formed  an  important  item  in  the  commerce  of 
Sparta  for  many  years.  Oil  mills  were  afterwards 
erected  by  E.  G.  Shannon  and  William  Rosborough, 
and  the  farmers  in  the  vicinity  found  a  ready  market 
at  these  mills  for  their  castor  beans,  of  which  great 
quantities  were  raised. 

In  1843,  the  members  ot*  the  Associate  Eeformed 
Church  commenced  the  erection  of  their  spacious  brick 
building,  which  was  completed  three  years  after.  The 
congregation  had  been  organized  some  years  before, 
and  the  Rev.  William  M.  Graham  was  the  preacher. 
He  was  succeeded,  in  1847,  by  Rev.  David  McDill,  a 
distinguished  minister  of  that  denomination.  Rev. 
John  F.  Stuart  succeeded  Dr.  McDill  two  years  ago, 
and  is  now  the  pastor  of  the  church. 

In  1842,  a  Methodist  Society  was  organized  by  Rev. 
M.  Martree.  A  church  building  was  erected  in  1848, 
and  the  pulpit  has  been  supplied  by  the  various  minis- 
ters appointed  by  the  Methodist  Conference. 

A  Baptist  Church  was  organized  by  Rev.  H.  S. 
Deppe,  in  1854.  A  church  building  was  erected  the 
following  year.  Rev.  J.  B.  Campbell  is  the  regular 
minister. 

One  of  the  most  important  additions  to  the  business 
of  Sparta,  was  the  erection,  in  1850,  of  a  Woolen  Fac- 
tory, by  the  Messrs.  McClurkkn.  It  was  constructed 
at  a  heavy  expense,  and  has  been  in  successful  opera- 
tion ever  since.     The  present  proprietor,  Mr.  Thomas 


DIRECTORY.  157 

McClurken,  has  made  additions  to  its  manufacturing 
capacity  during  this  season,  and  now  the  wool  growers 
of  this  and  adjoining  counties  have  a  ready  market  for 
their  wool. 

Since  1853,  two  large  merchant  mills  have  been 
erected,  each  one  with  a  capacity  of  producing  two 
hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  The  con- 
struction of  these  mills  was  the  work  of  joint  stock 
associations,  and  the  enterprises  have  given  a  fresh 
impetus  to  the  raising  of  wheat,  which  is  now  pro- 
duced as  a  staple  crop. 

At  the  last  session  of  the  General  Assembly,  Sparta 
obtained  a  City  Charter,  which  went  into  operation  a 
few  months  ago.  At  the  Charter  Election,  the  follow- 
ing city  officers  were  elected  : 

JOHN  A.  WILSON.  Mayor. 

ALDKRMEN  : 

First    Ward. — Robekt  Gammell  and  Johx  Watso.n. 

Second   Ward. — Matthew  McCujRKEy  and  Hugh  Kirkpatruk. 

Third   Ward. — J.  F.  McOandi.ess  and  John  W.  McCormack. 

Fourth  Ward. — Robert  J.  Harmer  and  Samikl  Niel. 

Street  Commissioner. — James  LA.ueHi.ix. 

Treasurer. — Joseph  McIIevrt. 

Assessor. — H.  0.  McCormack. 

A  steady  increase  of  all  the  concomitants  of  a  town 
has  marked  the  progress  of  Sparta  from  its  commence- 
ment. Situated  in  the  centre  of  one  of  the  most  fertile 
and  eligible  fanning  regions  in  Illinois,  the  town  was 
surrounded  by  a  class  of  industrious,  enterprising  and 
practical  farmers,  who  have  reduced  the  soil  to  a  high 
state  of  cultivation,  which  has  produced  a  healthy  ad- 
vancement in  every  department  of  commerce. 

The  young  citv  now  contains  ten  dry  goods  store*- 
14 


158  RANDOLPH    COUNTY  DIRECTORY. 

three  grocery  stores;  one  boot  and  shoe  store  and  man- 
ufactory; three  boot  and  shoe  shops;  two  stove  and  tin- 
ware stores;  three  tailor  shops;  one  jewelry  store; 
three  millinery  shops;  two  confectionery  stores;  one 
bakery;  two  furniture  stores;  two  saddlery  and  har- 
ness shops;  two  wagon,  one  plow,  and  four  blacksmith 
shops;  one  steam  barrel  manufactory;  two  flouring 
mills;  one  saw  mill;  one  woolen  factory;  three  hotels; 
three  churches;  three  school  houses;  one  academy;  two 
literary  societies;  one  library;  five  physicians;  three 
lawyers;  four  resident  ministers. 


SPARTA  DIRECTORY. 


ALLEN  AARON  M.,  merchant. 
Abernathy  Thomas,  carpen- 
ter. 
Aitkin  Jaracs,  carpenter. 
Anderson  Francis  B.,  lawyer. 
Anderson  Noble,  farmer. 
Anderson  William,  shoemaker. 
Askins  William  P.,  engineer. 
Askins  John,  tinner. 
Allen  Andrew,  teamster. 


BROWN  LEMUEL  A.  C,  stove 
merchant. 
Brown  M.  M.,  Rev.,  principal  of 

Union  Academy. 
Brown  Samuel,  tinner. 
Brown  Kinsley,  tinner. 
Brown  John  Lyman,  proprietor 

of  ''  Herald  and  Press." 
Brown  Nicholas  H.,  tinner. 
Brown  James  C.,  carpenter. 
Brown  James  S..  miller. 
Baird  William  M.,  carpenter. 
Baird  Reuben,  do 

Baird  George  0.,  do 

Baty  Francis  II.,  trader. 
Baily  Reuben,  keeps  livery. 
Baldridge  William. 
Brown  Thomas. 

Beaver  David,  furniture  dealer. 
Brunson  Frederick,  shoemaker. 
Bascom  Arthur  W.,  teamster. 


CAMPBELL  LOUIS H..  painter. 
Clendenin  Henry  S.,  saddler. 


Cowel  William,  cabinet  maker. 
Camp  M.,  carpenter. 
Chapman  Hiram,  shoemaker. 
Caldwell  William  J.,  jobber. 
Chalmbers  William  G.,  saddler. 
Caruthers  Caleb,  blacksmith. 
Caruthers  Finley,        do 
Calderwood    Hugh,     superinten- 
dant  of  Sparta  mill. 


DETRICH  JOHN  E.,  merchant. 
Detrieh    Jacob   S.   furniture 
dealer. 
Dickey  James,  laborer. 
Dobbins  John  S.,  blacksmith. 
Dobbins  Andrew,  wagonmaker. 


EDWARD  CROSLEY,   spinner 
in  factory. 
Edgar  William,  book  merchant. 
Edminston  Abner. 
Eekuph. 


FARNAN    JOSEPH,  physician 
and  druggist. 
Farnan  James,  physician, 
Fairborn  Jolm,  laborer. 
Foster  Robert  L.,  expressman. 
Ferris  D.  S.,  minister. 


GARDNER  HENRY,  trader. 
Gardner  Nicholas,  grocer. 


1<><»  •  It.VXltOLPII    COUNTY 


SPARTA  LIVERY  STABLE. 

D.  RIGDON  &  CO., 

'Would  respectfully  announce  to  the  citizens  of  Sparta  ami  the  pub- 
lic in  general,  that  they  are  now  prepared  to  accommodate  all  who 
may  favor  them  with  their  patronage.  Having  reeently  made  large 
additions  to  their  stock,  thpy  can  now  accommodate  all' with 

SADDLE   HORSES, 

AND 

CARRIAGES, 

Of  a  supiiior  quality,  and  on  the  most  reasonable  term*. 

Persons  wishing  to  be  conveyed  to  different  points,  can  be  ac- 
commodated in  good  style,  on  the  shortest  notice. 

Horses  stabled  and  fed  by  the  day  or  week. 


SPAETA 

DRUG  AND  BOOK  STORE. 

JOSEPH    FARNAQI, 

WHOLBSALI  AND  RETAIL  DEALER  IN 

DRUGS,  MEDICINES, 

paints,  oils,  Si|L%   VARNISHES, 


gw.p  ,8wte,dMa  wiaoy  giass, 


Stationery,    ami    Fancy    Articles;    Patent    Medicines; 
Taints,  Oils,  and  \rarnishes;  Books  and  Station- 
ery ;  Notions  and  Fancy  Articles ;  Win- 
dow Glass,  of  the  best  quality. 

Also.  Paint,  Varnish  and  Cloth  Brushes;  Candies,  Spices,  Ac. 

,?S~  Physicians  and  Country  Merchants  supplied  at  a  very 
small  per  cent,  above  St.  Louis  Prices.  Prescriptions  compounded 
at  all  hours.     Store  on^the  corner  of  St.  Louis  and  Broad  streets. 


DIRECTORY. 


161 


Gardner  Fayette,  carpenter. 

Goddard  J.  H., 

Goddard  William  B.,  carpenter. 

Gillebran  Adam,  laborer. 

Gammill  Robert,  miller. 

Gerred  Hugh,  lumber  merchant. 

Gorsuch    Elijah,   boot  and    shoe 

merchant. 
Gorsuch   M.   G.,    physician    and 

druggist. 
Gordon  James,  merchant. 
Gray  James,  baker. 
Gray  John,  tailor. 
Gutherie  Hugh  R.,  physician. 
Grutelius  John  F.,  inn  keeper. 
Gray  William. 
Grenslet  E.,  cooper. 
Gobsan  Robert,  stone  mason. 
Graham  George,  shoemaker. 


HARMER  ROBERT  J.,  clurk  of 
union  mill. 
Hood  Archibald. 
Hood  James,  merchant. 
Hood  Robert,        do 
Hood  John. 
Hood  William,  mason. 
Hopkins  Richard  R.,  physician. 
Hudson  John,  salesman. 


KIRKPATRICK  JOHN,  miller. 
Kirkpatrick    Hugh,    inn 
keeper. 
Klene  Benjamin,  brickmakor. 


LONG  ZAOHARTAII,  linnr-v. 
i.exton  Matthew,  teamster. 
Luther  A.  A. 

L&hmann  Bartley,  butcher. 
Lafferty  Jesse,  groom, 
Lawson  Murphy,  teamster. 
Lawson  Mary  A.,  confoetiouer. 
Lattimore  Joseph,  mason. 
Little  R.  B.,  merchant. 
Linds  iy  Samuel,w  agon  maker. 
Luther    James    M.    0,.   cabinet- 
maker. 
*14 


Laird  Isaac,  cooper. 
Laird  Martin,  do 


MAXWELL  JAMES,  teamster. 
Matlock  William  L.,  plas- 
terer. 

Miller  Andrew,  jeweler. 

Miller  James  W., 

Minner  John  W.,  ambrotypist. 

Monroe  Wuliam. 

Morrcw  John  B.,  teamster. 

Murphy  William  P.,  lawyer. 

Murphy  David. 

Murphy  John  Calvin. 

Maxwell  Thomas  C,  farmer. 

McMillan  William  H.,  farmer. 

McLain  Theron,  carpenter. 

McLain  Daniel,         do 

McCutcheon  John  M.,  express- 
man. 

McCandless  James  F. 

McCormack  John  W.,  blacksmith. 

McCormack  Matthew  8.,  mer- 
chant. 

McCormack  William,  inn  keeper. 

McCormack  Hugh  C,  merchant. 

McClurkcn  Thomas,  factory  mer- 
chant. 

McClurken  Matthew,  farmer. 

McD<  nald  Robert. 

McT    11  Robert. 

McOill  Thomas,  printer. 

Mclienry  Joseph,  merchant. 

He  Henry  Robert,  M.,  teacher. 

McHenry  Francis. 

McKay  -lohu  L.,  tailor. 

McMillan  John  R.,  teamster. 

M.-D.mald  Marshall,     do 


NEWSON  ARCHIBALD. 
Newman    Augustus,  barber. 
Neill  Samuel,  harness  maker. 
Neill  John,  blacksmith. 
Naylor  Presley. 


0 


RR  THOMAS  A.  K.,  butcher 
and  tep  *Mster. 


1G2  RANDOLPH    COUNTT 


Hi  ^  Hi 

I  SELECT  SWM 

DRY-GOODS, 


Ulh 


'9 

HARDWARE, 
C^TJEJE!  JXT  SW  -^  JFL3E3, 

AND 

>^^  *Ja*ib    wW    @Ca  e^-#  ^L;#  g 

HATS  AND  CAPS, 
BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

Kept  constantly  on  Imnd  hy  ilio  undersigned, 

MAIN  STREET,  SPARTA, 
FOR    SALE 

CHEAPER  THAN  THE  CHEAPEST. 

All  kinds  of  Product)   will  ho  lukon    in  exi-hango  for 
rJ(>ods  nt  Market  prices. 

J.  B   PARKS 


DIRECTORY. 


165 


Orr  Craton,  blacksmith. 
Osburn  E.  James,  painter. 


F-, 


PATTESON     ROBERT 
keeps  livery. 
Parks  James  B.,  merchant. 
Perkins  Jeremiah  C,  keeps  saloon 

and  variety  store. 
Perkins  Ephraim,  blacksmith. 
Perkins  Eli  as,  do 

Pawel  James,  oculist. 
Pyles  Lucius,  carpenter. 
Palmer  P.  W.,  cooper. 


R05B0R0UGH    WILLIAM, 
merchant. 
Rosborough  Robert,  salesman. 
Raybron  Francis,  blacksmith. 
Rea  William,  teamster. 
Rigdon  David,  keeps  livery. 
Rodent  an  Jlenry,  merchant. 


STEVENSON     WILLIAM    A., 
wagon  maker. 
Btonnant  II.  C,  carpenter. 
Stuart  Jobn  F.,  minister. 
Spindle  Edward  J.,  laborer. 
Sherlock  Richard,  teamster. 
Smith  Henry,  tailor. 
Stevenson  William  J.,  merchant. 
Shannon  John  R. 
Shannon  James. 
Shannon  Moses  F. 
SUelley  Alexander. 


Skelley  John,  laborer. 
Skelley  William. 
Skelley  James,  painter. 
Simpson  George, physician. 
Shiner  John,  teamster. 
Saunders  James,  carpenter. 
Sanders  Thomas,  tinner. 
Sanders  George,  wagon  maker. 


TAILOR  JOHN,  justice  of  the 
peace. 
Taylor  James  H.,  merchant. 
Taylor  Hugh  C,  do 

Telfard  William,  shoemaker. 
Treat  Joseph,  laborer. 
Taylor  James,     di 


WATSON  JOHN",  merchant. 
Wood  Sidney,  carpenter. 

Wilson  Samuel. 

Wilson    Samuel,    constable    and 
city  marshal. 

Wilson  John  A.,  postmaster   anl 
mayor. 

Wilson  William  F. 

Wise  Daniel,  salesman. 

Wolfington  P.,  laborer. 

Whitim  George,  barrel  manufac- 
turer. 

Watson  .Tames,  stone  mason. 

White  Andrew  J.,  cocper. 


■VTONTZ  JOHN,  miller. 


TOWNSHIP 


BAIRI)  SAMITEL  P..  farmer. 
Biird  P.,  do 

Beat  tie,  do 

BeattieJ,  M..  do 

Becket  A.  G..  do 

Blair  John  M.,  do 


INGE  «  WEST.- 

-SPARTA. 

Blair  J.  H., 

farmer 

Blair  D, 

do 

Blair  William. 

do 

Blair  James, 

do 

Blair  Alexander. 

do 

Blackmore. 

184 


RANDOLPH  COUNTY 


JOHN   TAYLOR, 

CITY  Wmi%  JUSTICE  OF  THE  PEACE, 

NOTARY  PUBLIC;. 

Will  attend  to  collecting  claims  on  commission  or  otherwise. 

OFFICE  ON  BROADWAY,  SPARTA,  ILL. 

Jurisdiction  as  Recorder  in  debt  or  damages,  $500  00. 


IVEjps,    M.    LA'WSOBT 

Keeps  constantly  on  hand  Chocolate,  Oysters,  Crackers,  Cheese, 
Nuts  of  every  kind,  Tobacco,  Cigars,  Mackerel,  Soap,  Candles,  Salt, 
Tea,  Brooms,  Baskets,  Toys,  Hoop  Skirts,  and  Notions,  of  every  va- 
riety, at  her  old  stand  on  MAIN  STREET,  one  door  east  of  the 
Shannon  House, 

SPARTA,    ILLINOIS, 
Where  she  hopes  to  receive  a  liberal  share  of  public  patronage. 

PEOPLES  SALOON, 

Main  Street,  Sparta,  Illinois, 
J.   O.  PERKINS,  Proprietor. 

Dealer  in  all  kinds  of  Confectionery ;  Foreign  and  Domestic 
Frnits ;  Nuts,  Oysters,  and  Sardines;  Tobacco  and  Cigars;  Fancy 
Perfumery  and  Hair  Oils.     All  descriptions  of  Family  Oroceries,  Ac. 

Also,  Ice  Cream,  Soda,  and  Refreshments. 

FRANCIS  B.  ANDERSON, 

ATTORNEY  AID  COUNSELOR  AI  LAW, 

AND 

SOLICITOR  IN  CHANCERY; 

Will  attend  with  fidelity  and  promptness  to  all  business  entrusted 
to  him,  and  connected  either  directly  or  indirectly  with  his  profes- 
sion, whether  in  the  United  States  or  elsewhere. 

OFFICII  ON  MAIN  STREET,  SPARTA,  ILLINOIS. 


MRKCTOKY. 


165 


TOWNSHIP  •,  SOUTH,  RANGE  li  WEST—  SPARTA. 


Bordfcl'n  Andrew,  fill  111* 

Boyd  William,  do 

Bovd  Jamas  J..  do 

Boyd  Robert.  V.,  do 

Boyd  Samuel,,  do 

Boyd  Thomas,  do 

Boyd  David  B.,  do 

Boyd  James,  do 

Brown  Joseph  Ji.,  do 

Brown  James  M.,  do 

Brown  David.  do 

Brown  Joseph  Sr.,  do 

Brown  Henry  B.,  do 

Brown  Charles  E..  do 


C CHANDLER  NOEL,  fanner. 
;  Chalmber3  Thomas  A. 
Chalmbers  David. 
Clendenin  James  II..  farmer. 
Couch  John,  do 

Cooper  William,  do 

Cooper  James  A..  do 

Coulter  John,  do 

Crothers  B.  L.,  blacksmith. 
Cunningham  John  R.,  farmer. 
Cunningham  James  W.,  do 
Cunningham  George  V.,  farmer 

and  teacher. 
Cunningham  Robert,  farmer. 


DIAL  ISAAC,  farmer. 
Dillman  John,  far  in  t 
Dickey  George.  do 

Davver  .!••'■  u,  do 


FELLERS  JOHN  G.,  farmei 
Einley  Francis,  do 

Foster  William,  do 

Flakier  William  Sr..  do 

Frazii"  William  Jr..  iln 


GROSS  ANDERSON,  tarn 
Gross  George.  Sr.. 
Gross  George  W., 


HENDEUHOFF    PETER,   far 
mer. 
llegens  David  W..  fanner. 
Hood  John,  do 

Hood  Alexander.        do 
Houston  John  do 


KELL  JOHN  F.,  farmer. 
Kinny  Alexander,  farmer. 


T  EMMONS  JACOB,  farmer. 


Li  Lessley  R.  M., 
Lessley  Alexander, 
Lively  A.  P., 
Lively  William, 
Lively  Turner. 
Lochead  J.  M., 
Lvle  Thomas. 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


M ALONE  JAMES,  collier. 
Mann  John  B.,  farmer. 
Martin  William,  do 

Mathews  William.        do 
Miller  John,  do 

Mirott  John,  wagonmaker. 
Marrow  William,  farmer. 
Marrow  James  (.'.,     do 
Morris  Ephrairu. 
Morris.  William  -li 
Morris  Isaac. 
Murphy  A.  B.. 
McAnu'llty  James 


<lo 


do 
do 

II..  farmer. 


McAtee  John  A..  do 

McConaehie  David,  do 

McDonald  David.  do 

McDoland  James  H..  do 

McDonald  Levi,  do 

Me  Daniel  James,  do 

Me  Dill  N.  B.,  do 

McDill  Archibald  M.,  do 

McDill  David  A.,  do 

McGee  James,  do 

McLaughlan  Matthew,  do 


166  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


N.  H.  BROWN, 

WHOLESALE  AND    RETAIL    DEALER    IN 

$hm$  mii  Tttwmt 

BROADWAY,  SPARTA,  ILL. 


JAMES  FARNAN, 

jjjhpktatt  and  Jiitrpfltt, 

Tenders  his  professional  services  to  the  citizens  of 

OEQoo    on    :ex*o£ic3Lxn7-«,;y\ 


FINLEY  B.  CROTHERS, 

BLACKSMITH  AND  PLOWMAKER, 

BROADWAY,  SPARTA,  ILL. 

All  work  warranted,  and  his  Plows  not  excelled  by  any. 

8PAETA   CITY. 
J.  S.  DETRICH, 

Dealer  and  manufacturer  of  all  kinds  of 


Anl^Undortaker  of  Funerals  in  all  its  branches,  Ac,  Ac. 


DIRECTORY. 


167 


TOWNSHIP   5  SOUTH,  RANGE  6   WEST.— SPARTA. 


McNeil  William  Sr.,  farmer. 
McNeil  William  Jr.,       do 
MjJHenry  William,         do 


ORB  TMOMAS,  farmer. 
Orr  John, 
Orr  John  P., 


PARKS  JOHN,  farmer. 
Parks  James  G.,  farmer. 
Parks  A.  W., 
Parks  Alfred, 
Parks  John  M., 
Barks  Thomas  A., 
Perkins  George  H., 
Pressly  Samuel, 


do 


do 
do 


RITCHEY  WILLIAM. 
Robinan  Frederick. 


SINCLAIR  ROBERT. 
Stewart  William. 


TEMPLE  DAVID,  farmer 
Temple  John,  do 

Temple  William,  do 

Townsand  David,  do 

Toverea  Arthor  T.,         do 


WEIR  ROBERT  Sr.,  farmer. 

Weir  James  N.,  do 

Weir  Samuel  T.,  do 

Weir  William,  do 

Weir  Samuel,  do 

Weir  James  B.,  do 

Weir  John,  do 

Wilson  Henry  J.,  do 
Wilson  William  F.,        farmer. 

Wilson  David,  do 

Wilson  Martin  W.,  do 

Wolford  Frederick,  do 

Wolford  Daniel,  do 

Wolford  George,  do 

Wright  Stephen  Sr.,  do 

Wright  Stephen  Jr.,  do 

Wylie  Samuel  M.,  do 

Wylie  John  Sr.,  do 

Wylie  James  G.,  do 


YATES  E.,  farmer, 
Young  William,  farmer. 


TOWNSHIP  4  SOUTH,  RANGE  6  WEST.— SPARTA. 


ANDERSON  THOMAS,  farmer. 
Anderson  J.  A.  P.,  do 

Anderson  Archie,  do 

Armour  James  C,  do 


B 


LOCK  ANDREW,  farmer. 
Block  N.  N.,  do 


Borders  M.  W., 
Borders  Jas.  J., 
Borders  Elias  K., 
Boyle  Thompson, 
Boyle  Adam, 
Bolye  James, 
Burnett  Wm., 
Burns  Joseph, 


farmer. 

a 

do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


168  RANDOl.ril    COUNTY 

JEWELRY  STORE. 

A.   MILLER 

Keeps  constantly  on  hand,  at  his  old  stand. 

MAINE  STREET,     -        -     SPARTA,  ILLINOIS, 

A  SELECT  ASSORTMENT  OF 

m  mk  '^81  ;%»   ^   'Ira     ^  ^ 

i 

FANCY  ARTICLES, 

Which  he  offers  to  the  pffcdic 

CHEAP   FOR   CASH. 


Kepairing  Clocks  and  Watches  done  on  short  nor  ice.  in  the 
beet  manner.  ""&& 

JOHN  W.  MINNER'S 

AMBROTYPE,  MMm>  DAGUERREOTYPE, 


A 


*# 


ptotajgrapltlc  <Ialli|rj), 

Keeps  constantly  on  hand  nil  Photographic  Material. 

THREE  DOORS  "WEST  OF  PUBLIC  SQUARE, 

MAINE  STREET,  SPARTA,  ILLINOIS. 

H.  R.  GUTHRIE,  M.  D., 

OFFICE,    BROAD    STREET, 

SPARTA,    tlLCNQt9% 


DIRECTORY. 


169 


TOWNSHIP  4  SOUTH.  RANGE  6- WEST.— SPARTA. 


CAMPBELL  JOHN,  farmer. 

Campbell  Thos.,  do 

Cathcart  Wm.  J.  S.,  do 

Cathcart  Richard,  do 

Cathcart  R.  B.,  do 

Cathcart  C.  M.,  do 

Cathcart  James,  do 

Cathcart  John,  do 

Chassells  A.  M.,  do 

Christy  Jas.,  do 

Crawford  Win.,  do 

Cuthbertson  Alex.,  do 

Cuthbertson  Robert,  Jo 


DANLEY  THOMAS,  farmer. 
Dunn  William  M.,      do 
Dunn  James  W.,  do 

niuin  Tohn,  do 


EDGAR  A.  J.,  farmer. 
Edgar  W.  M.,  farmer 
Edgar  R.  M.,  do 

Edgar  James,  do 

Edgar  William  S.,      do 
Ewmg  Samuel,  do 

Ewing  John,  do 


FULTON  JAMES,  farmer. 

Finley  William,  do 

Finley  Thomas,  do 

Finley  James,  do 

Finiey  Matthew,  do 

Fawlds  James,  do 

Fulton  William,  do 


GREER  HUGH,  farmer. 
Gregg  Samuel,    do 
Gray  R.  W..  do 

Grav  A.  F..  do 

15 


HARWELL  J.  '.'.,  farmer. 
Hemphill  Matthew,  farmer. 
Hetherington  George,  do 

Hetherington  James,  do 

Houston  William,  do 

Houston  William,  do 


"OHNSON  WILLIAM,  farmer. 


KEYS  JOSEPH,  farmer. 
Kilpatrick  John,  farmer. 
Kirk  wood  Robert,  do 

Kirk  wood  Matthew,       do 


LESLIE  SAMUEL,  farmer. 

Lackey  William,  do 

Leslie  M.  M.,  do 

Lindsay  John  H.,  do 

Lindsay  Thomas  B.,  do 

Little  William,  tic 

Little  William  C,  4o> 

Lightbody  R.  W.,  dm 

Lynn  Joseph,  do 

Lynn  William  R.,  do 

Lynn  John,  do 

Lyons  R.  W.,  do 

Lyons  G.,  do 


MARSHALL  R.  W.,  physician. 
Marshall  J.  J.,  farmer. 
Marshall  Adam,  teacher. 
Matthews  Joseph  B.,  farmer. 
Matthews  James,  do 

Meek  Samuel  J.  B..         do 
Meek  William.  do 

Morrison  Robert,  do 

Murphv  James  H.,  do 

McBride  A.,  do 

McBridc  John,  do 

Mi-Clinton  James,  do 


170 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


■a 

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4-> 

< 


P^>       <Z 


<-< 


^£=* 


"HM; 


GO 

LU 
GO 


0 


oo 


o 

O 

i— i 

3 

u- 

0 

■a 

CD 

•  H 

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>- 

H 

C/3 
.2 

1 

aj 

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^ 

& 

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UJ 

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2 
< 

t> 

LU 

•  H 

CQ 

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0 

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in 
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V    s 


V    ^ 


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•T    '-    - ' 


^  ^   y_ 
s   -    e 


. "-  — 


DIRECTORY. 


171 


TOWNSHIP   4   SOUTH,  RANGE  6   WEST.— SPARTA. 


McClinton  William,  'armer. 

McHatton.  Armour,  do 

Mclntyre  John,  do 

Mcllvain  A...  do 

McKelvey  Alex.  R.,  do 

McKelvey  S.  W.,  do 

McMasters  James.  do 

McMillan  .James  H..  do 

McMillan  William  T  do 

McMurdo  John,  do 

McMurdo  William,  do 


pATTERSON  R. 


L..  farmer. 


RANKIN  ROBERT,  farmer. 
Redpath  R.,  do 

Redpath  James  K.,  do 

Ritchey  James  M.,    farmer  and 
coal  merchant. 
Ritchey  Robert  J.,  farmer. 
Rieddle  Joseph,         '  do 
Rodgers  Samuel  J.,      do 
Rodgera  A.,  do 

Rodgers  W.,  do 

Rutherford  William,  do 
Rutherford  Robert,      do 


SCHR1DER  HENRY  Rev. 
Short  Thomas,  farmer. 
Smith  Moore  Jr.  do 

Smith  James  C,  do 

Smiley  James,  do 

Stevenson  Michael  Sr.,  farmer 


TEMPLE  ROBERT,  farmer. 
Toverea  Bartley,         do 
Tweede  Hugh,  do 

Tweede  David,  do 

Tweede  John,  do 


WALKER  JAMES,  farmer. 

Walker  William,  do 

Wallace  James,  do 

Welsh  James,  do 

White  Francis,  do 

Wilson  Hugh,  do 

Wood  William,  io 

Wylie  John,  do 

Wylie  Alex.,  do 

Wylie  Robert  C,  do 


VEOMAN  DAVID,  farmer 


172 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


J.    A.    FOSTER, 

Sparta,  111. 


DEALER  IN 


/  J^Xj    ^j  \^|   s^jjf  ^z  $%jj  sie^  ^ 

HATS,  CAPS,  BOOTS,  SHOES, 
GROCERIES,  QUEENSWARE,  HARDWARE,  NAILS,  IRON. 

O-IjASS, 

FARMING  ITEII18,  READY-MADE  ClfflMffli; 

In  short,  a  general  assortment  of  Merchandise,  suitable  to  the  wants 
of  the  consumer — all  of  which  are  offered  at  the  lowest  prices.  Tin' 
public  are  invited  to  examine. 

JOHN  E.  DETRICH, 

Main  Street,  Sparta,  Illinois. 

]>K,VL.TdTR     IN 

DRY- GOODS, 

3E3L"  ArL3DX\T-A.riEJ, 

QUWARE,  GLASSWAKE,  BOOTS  AID  SHOES, 

HATS  AND  CAPS, 

CLOTHING,  GROCERIES,  TOBACCO. 

And  all  kinds  of  Merchandise  suited  to  the  wants  of  the  trade  gen- 
erally. 


DIRECTORY.  173 


TO  THE  FARMERS 

SOUTHERN  ILLINOIS. 


SPARTA 


Wflflfet  f  *tf**g» 


I  have  made  large  additions  to  my  Factory,  of  new 

And  am  manufacturing  and  will  keep  a  large  stock  at 
all  seasons,  of  the  following  Goods,  manufactured  by 
me  with  special  reference,  to  durability  : 

SlTlllfS,  CASSIMERES, 

INDIGO    BLUE    AND   MIXED 

JEANS, 

BED-BLANKETS, 

PLAID,  ID,  PLAIN  MREO  k  WHITE  MEIS, 

KNOTTING 

AND  SINGLE  YARNS  OK  ALL  SIZKS. 

Custom  Carding  and  Spinning,  Fulling,  Coloring, 
and  Finishing,  done  on  short  notice.  Persons  from  a 
distance  always  accommodated  at  the  time  they  bring 
their  Wool. 

THOS.  McCLTJRKEN. 

N.  B. — Wool  and  Grease  wanted  in  exchange. 
*15 


174 


RANDOLPH  COUNTY 


WM.  ROSBOROUGH  8c  CO , 
SPARTA,  BLLI^OiS. 


THE  OLDEST  HOUSE  IN  THE  COUNTY, 

ESTABLISHED  IN  THE   YEAR  1835. 


Have  always  on  hand  the  largest  and  most  com- 
plete Stock  of 

CLOTHING, 


$ 


GROCERIES, 
3EX  A.  Y^  ID  "\*T  j9l  n  ES, 

HATS    AND  CAPS, 
BOOTS  AND  SHOES,  &C,  &C, 

That  is  offered  in  the  market,  to  which  they  invite  the 
attention  of 


Lilli    IliU. 

SPARTA,  October,  1859 


DIRECTORY.  175 


3»       ifii       3ft 

NEW  LIVERY    STABLE. 

BARTLEY  TOVERA 

Would  respectfully  announce  to  the  citizens  of  Sparta  and  vicinity, 
that  he  has  opeuod  a  new  and  splendid  Stable  on 

ST.  LOUIS  STREET,  SPARTA,  ILLINOIS, 

Where  lie  will  keep  constantly  on  hand 

SADDLE   AND    BUGGY    HORSES, 

OPEN  AND  TOP  BUGGIES, 

Of  the  best  quality:  and  will  accommodate  all  who  may  favor  him 
with  their  custom  on  more  reasonable  terms  than  ever  offered  in  the 
city.  He  hones,  by  strict  attention  to  hia business,  to  merit  a  liberal 
xhare  of  public  patronage. 

M.  G.   GORSUCH,  M.  D., 

SPARTA,  ILLINOIS. 

DEALER  IN 

DRUGS,  MEDICINES,  &  CHEMICALS, 

DYE-WOOBS  AND  DYE-STUFFS, 

QIL§t  PAINTS,  AN Q  PAINTERS'   ARTICLES, 

Window  g»lx££  and  Vuttii,  §>\umvuu, 

FRENCH,  EMU,  ill  AMERICAN  PERFIW. 

Fine  Toilet  anil  Shaving  Soaps,  fine  Hair  and  Tooth  Brushes, 
Paint  Brushes.  Surgical  and  Dental  Instruments,  Spices,  Snuffs, 
Manufactured  Tobacco ;  all  the  Patent  Medicines  of  the  day ;  Pure 
Wines   and  Brandies,    for  medicinal  purposes;   Choice   Toilet    and 

Fancv  Articles,  etc.,  etc. 


170  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


SPARTA    &   CHESTER 


SPARTA.  ATHENS,  BELLEVILLE, 

A1UD 

St.  Louis  Daily  Mail  and 
PASSENGER  COACH  LINE. 

Having  secured  a  Daily  Mail  Contract  between  the  above  points, 
I  have  established  a  Daily  Coach  Line  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
traveling  public — leaving  Sparta  every  morning  (Sundays  excepted) 
at  6  o'clock,  A.  M.,  for  Chester  :  returning,  leaves  Chester  every  day 
(Sundays  excepted)  at  2,  P.  M.,  arriving  in  Sparta  the  same  even- 
ing ;  leaving  Sparta  for  Athens,  Belleville,  and  St.  Louis,  every 
morning,  (Sundays  excepted,)  at  0  A.  M.,  arriving  at  St.  Louis  the 
same  evening  ;  leaving  St.  Louis  every  morning  at  6  A.  M.  from  No. 
60  Collins  street,  King's  Hotel,  the  Post  Office,  Green  Tree  Tavern, 
arriving  at  Sparta  on  the  same  evening. 

I  ALSO  RUN    THE 

BUCKEYE    BftY 

FREIGHT  &  EXPRESS  WAGONS 

On  the  above  routes,  and  will  carry  Freight  at  usual  rates  with 
promptness  and  safety,  between  any  of  the  above  points.  I  will  also 
attend  to  Express  Business  of  any  kind,  to  any  part  of  the  United 
8tates  or  Europe.  Packages  or  money  forwarded  to  any  part  of  the 
world  having  Express  connections.  Will  buy  and  sell  Drafts  and 
Bills  of  ExchaDge  on  any  part  of  the  world.  Will  also  attend  to 
making  collection  of  notes  and  accounts.  Business  of  any  kind  en- 
trusted to  my  care  will  be  faithfully  and  promptly  attended  to. 
Orders  respectfully  solicited.  I  can  be  seen  Wednesdays  and  Thurs- 
days, at  No.  66,  Collins'  street,  and  Saturdays  and  Mondays  at  my 
office  in  Sparta. 

JOHN  M.  McCUTCHEON. 


DIRECTOR 1.  177 


1839.  I860, 

FALL  AND  WINTER  STOCK. 

J".    c*3   H..    HOOD, 

WHOLESALE  AND  ROAU  MERCHANTS, 

Broadway,  Sparta,  111., 

Have  received,  direct  from  the  East,  a  large,  splendid,  and  carefully 
selected  Stock  of 

FALL  &  WINTER  GOODS. 

Our  Stock   consists  in   part  of  a    large  and   most   fashionable 
Stock  of 

GENTLEMEN  AND  YOUTH'S-  CLOTHING  AND  FURNISHING  GOODS, 

All  of  which  they  warrant  to  fit,  or  no  sale.  Also,  Black,  Brown,  and 
Drab  Cloths,  Doe  Skins,  Casinetts,  Cassimeres, 

BLACK,  FANCY,  AND  FIGURED  SILKS, 

Alpaccas,  Delai,  s,  French,  English,  and  American  Prints,  Ging- 
hams, Ribbons,  D»2ss  Trimmings,  Lace,  Notions,  Shawls,  Mantillas, 
Hats  and  Caps,  Boots  and  Shoes,  Hardware,  Cutlery,  Glassware, 
Queensware,  and  a  full  Stock  of  Groceries.  The  highest  market 
price  paid  for  merchantable  produce. 


NEW  GOODS.  NEW  GOODS. 

McHENRY  &  WATSON, 

Cor.  of  Broad  &  McMillan  Streets,  Sparta,  111., 

Are  now  receiving  and  opening  a  large  and  attractive  Stock  of 
Goods  from  the  East,  which,  for  variety  and  beauty  of  style,  are 
unsurpassed.     Our  Stock  consists  of 

DRY  GOODS, 

OLOTHI3STG-, 

HATS  AND  CAPS, 
BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

HARDWARE, 

QUEENSWARE    AND    GROCERIES. 

We  invite  all  persons  coming  to  trade  in  Sparta  to  give  us  a  call 
and  examine  our  prices.  To  cash  and  produce  customers,  we  offer 
liberal  inducements. 


178 


UANHOl.l'U     COUNTY   DIRECTORY. 


WAG  OB,  t&iii.4il,  Silfif 
PL01  iVIttillFACTORY, 


EDEN, 


ILLINOIS. 


The  underesignecl  having  ])iu  in  operation  a  STEAM 
EXCiJXK  tor  <lri  viiii;-  the  machinery  in  his  shop,  is  now 
prepare!  tot  manufacture 

WAGOrn, 


CARRIAGES, 


BUGGIES, 


PLOWS, 


And  all  kinds  of 


gigrittttltnral  Jmjjlementjj, 

On  short  notice.  In  the  manufacture  of  these  articles 
the  very  best  material  is  used,  and  durability  is  guar- 
anteed.    Only  workmen  of 

SUPERIOR  SKILL  m  EXPERIENCE 

are  employed.  My  facilities  for  manufacturing  will 
enable  me  to  suppl}*  the  larger  portion  of 

SOUTHERN1    IIjLINOIS. 

A.  H.  BURLINGHAMB. 


EDEN 


Rev.  Samuel  Wyi.ik  purchased  and  located  upon  the 
site  of  Eden,  in  the  year  1822-3.  Sometime  afterwards, 
Adam  Wylie  and  James  Fokd  located  in  the  place.  At 
that  time  there  were  but  few  settlers  in  thft, adjacent 
country,  and  the  idea  of  making  a  town  pro&rfbly  had 
not  entered  into  the  minds  of  the  proprietors.  Rev. 
Mr.  Wylie  had  collected  together  a  congregation  of  his 
church,  and  held  public  services  in  a  house  down  near 
where  the  grave  yard  is.  As  the  immigrants  came  in- 
to the  county,  they  were  induced  to  settle  around  this 
place,  in  order  to  enjoy  the  privileges  of  the  church. 
The  congregation,  therefore,  increased  as  rapidly  as  the 
country  was  settled.  About  the  year  1833,  the  spacious 
brick  church  in  which  Mr.  Wylie's  congregation  still 
worship  was  erected.  This  was  the  beginning  of  the 
town.  About  the  same  time  the  congregation  suffered 
a  division,  and  the  seceding  portion  erected  another 
large  church  in  three  years  afterwards.  Two  spacious 
churches  and  a  few  dwellings  around  them  now  stood 
upon  the  beautiful  little  mound  in  the  prairie,  and  sug- 
gested to  the  proprietor,  who  appreciated  the  beautiful, 
the  idea  of  building  a  town,  which  should  be  called 
Eden.  It  was  then  the  closest  type  of  Eden  of  any 
spot  in  Illinois. 


180  RANDOLPH    COUNTY    DIRECTORY. 

In  the  year  1887,  a  portion  of  the  land  was  surveyed 
into  town  lots,  and  but  a  short  time  afterwards  Eden 
contained  a  store,  oil  mill,  carding  machine,  foundry 
and  machine  shop,  and  many  other  town  fixtures.  Its 
churches  and  its  shops  have  constituted  the  chief  ma- 
terials of  interest,  and  given  the  character  of  a  relig- 
ious, moral,  intelligent  and  industrious  people  to  its 
inhabitants.  The  firs*,  wagon  shop  in  Eden  was  estab- 
lished in  1839,  by  W.  E.  B&own.  Since  then  several 
others  have  gone  into  operation.  For  many  years  the 
shops  of  Eden  have  supplied  a  large  portion  of  the 
southern  part  of  Illinois  with  wagons  carriages  and 
plows. 

Eev.  Aa3iuel  Wylie,  who  is  the  founder  of  the  place, 
first  ca»t?  to  Kaskaskia  in  1817,  and  was  the  first  man 
in  Illinois  to  give  form  and  stability  to  the  Eeformed 
Presbyterian  Church.  For  more  than  forty  years  he 
has  proclaimed  the  words  of  truth  and  life  to  the  people 
of  his  church.  He  alone. of  the  pioneer  ministers  who 
appeared  in  Illinois  previous  to  1818,  is  living.  He  is  a 
distinguished  light  in  the  church,  and  a  faithful  gospel 
minister. 

Eden  now  contains  a  population  of  about  three  hun- 
dred; has  one  dry  goods  store;  four  wagon  shops;  one 
carriage  and  plow  manufactory;  one  school  house;  one 
literary  society,  with  a  large  library;  a  saddlery  shop, 
and  some  other  town  appendages. 


EDEN  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  5  WEST.— EDEN. 


ADAMS  G.  K.,  farmer. 
Alexander  Ebenezcr,  farmer. 
Anderson  John  A.  H.,  do 

Anderson  James  B.,  do 

Alexander   Walter,  nurseryman. 
Armour  A. 


BERGFELDT  W.,  farmer. 
Bates  Joseph  C,  blacksmith. 
Banister  Oliver,  farmer. 
Banister  Jesse,         do 
Beattie  Joseph,        do 
Beattie  Robert,         do 
Bottom  Luke,  merchant. 
Brooks  Robert,  farmer. 
Brown  George,       do 
Brown  Hugh,         do 
Brown   W.  R.,  lumber  merchant. 
Brown  Lemuel  A.  C.,  tinner. 
Burns  Samuel,  manufacturer. 
Burlinghame  A.  H.,  carriage  and 

wagon  manufacturer. 
Beattie  James,  fanner. 
Bottom  James,  blacksmith. 


CALLIGHEN  JOHN,  mechanic. 
Campbell  James,  farmer. 
Campbell  J.  B.  Rev.,  painter. 
Campbell  William., farmer.  ' 
Campbell  !!<v.rge.        do 
Campbell  Johu!  do 

16 


Calvin  John,  blacksmith. 
Cruthers  F.  R.,  ploughmaker. 
Crums  Adin. 
Curti3  Augustus,  farmer. 


DOBBINS  THEODORE  A.,  far- 
mer. 
Dobbs  Richard,  farmer. 
Dickey  John,         do 
Dickey    Alexander    S.,     wagon- 
maker. 
Dickson  Charles. 
Dickey  Alexander,  farmer. 
Dickey,  do 


T^NOS  JAMES,  farmer. 


FLACK  J.  J.,  farmer. 
Foster  A.  W.,  farmer. 
Fulton  David,  do 

Fulton  John,  do 


GALLOWAY  JAMES,  farmer. 
Gaston  Samuel,  do 

j  Gaston  James,  blacksmith. 
1  Gault  H.  0. 


18l>  RANIiOl.l'H    COVNTY 


^3L    CARD. 

P  B.  GAULT.  C.  B.  MULT. 

P.  B.  &  C.  M   GAULT, 

MANUFACTURERS    OF 

mm,  smies,  ki  e, 

:eh>t3jst,    -     -     -   HjIjInois. 

This  firm  has  invariably  taken  the  ""BLUE  KlJi- 
]iON,"  at  the  County  Kair,  on  Bii«£ui<  *,  whenever  they 
have  exhibited. 

Orders  solicited,  and  liiled  on  short  notice.  Our 
work  is  warranted. 

JOHN  MICHAN, 

gUtorneti  and  ^mmsetor 

AT    LAW, 

EDEN,  -  ILLINOIS. 

THOMAS  ftELSOft, 

EDEN,  ILLINOIS, 

Has   Dahlias,  Hoses.  Tulips.  Hyacinths,   Bulbs,  locen- 
houde  Plants,  and  Shrubbery. 

ftav'  Seeds  k 1 1 < » \ v  n  to  he  ifenn'ine,  can  he  fl-tained 
from  uie. 


MUKCTuKY. 


183 


TOWNSHIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  o  WEST.— EDEN. 


Ganlt  1'.  R.   wagunittaker. 

Gault  ('.  M..       "    do 
Gordon  William  ('.  Sr.,  farmer. 
Gordon  William  ('.  Jr.,      do 
Gordon  A.  J.,  do 

Gordon  John  R.,  do 

Ga.iL<oi   Robert,  wagmmaker. 


HARRlS.'iN  G.  W..  farmer. 
Hall  It.  I.,  do 

Hill  Edmund,  do 

Hood  Joseph,  do 

Hughes  John  M..  do 

Hyndemau  (J.  b\,  carpenter. 
Holden  11.  L.,  blaek&inith. 


KAVANACG  H  DAVID,  wagon- 
maker. 
Kvlc  It.  J. 


LEWIS  JOHN. 
Lewis  I'Mward. 
Lucas  A.,  fanner. 
Lylo  Jame<.  farmer, 
Lewis  Prank. 
Lewis  Abram. 


MILLS  STEVEN. 
Maxw-dl  Thomas  C,  farmer. 
Maxwell  John. 

Miller  Charles  R.,  do 

More  John,  e,i  rpen(er. 
Michael  J.,  farmer. 
Mcf'orni  lek  J.,  farmer. 
MeCormaek  M.,     do 
McConeehie  David,  farmer. 
McCoughan  John,       do 
McCIiu ton  John,         do 
McMillan  W.  II.,         do 
McKee  Alexander,      do 
McKee  R.  C.  do 


McKee  William,     farmer. 
McKee  J.  0.,  do 

McOonac.hic  John,      do 
McMillan  Milton,        do 


N 


IMOCK     SAMUEL,     cabinet 


Nels;.n  Thomas,  florist. 
Nisbet  Samuel  T.,  farmer. 
Nisbet  Robert,  do 

Nisbet  Samuel,  do 

Nisbofc  James,  painter. 


T)ARKER  PETER. 

JL     Pattan  Joseph,  farmer. 

Fillers  P.  W.,  do 


R0BIJ1N8   CHARLES,  farmer. 
Robison  Richard,  do 

Kos borough  .lames.  do 

Uubison  John  S.,  do 


SHEEWSREERV    BENEDICT, 
farmer. 
Snodgrass  Reuben,  farmer. 
Snodgrass  Rilan,       do 
Snodgrnss  Robert,      do 
Stuart  Alexander.      do 


Stuart  Jame.*, 
Steele.  Merit. 
Steele  Martin. 
Steele  Anthony, 
Stevenson  Robe 
Stevenson   Mie"! 
Stevenson  John, 
Steele  Albert. 

Stevenson    Robert     Jr.,    wagon- 
maker. 
Stevenson  Allen,  blacksmith. 


do 

do 

do 

do 
i   Sr.,  merchant. 
iel,  Jr..  eaddler. 
merchant. 


184 


HAND01.PH    COUNTV  J;IUI.<  T<  IB  V. 


TOWNSHIP   5   SOUTH,  RANGE  :,    WEST.  -EDEN 
TTALENTINE  JAMES  II. 


WATTRICIIARD,  merchant. 
Ward  Josiah,  farmer. 

Wilson  John,  do 

Wilson  John,  (Irish)  do 
Wilson  James  R.,  do 
Wilson  James  C,        do 


Wylie  Samuel  Ry\ . 
Ward  Uyly,  farinor; 

Wilson  Wilson,  d<. 

Wilson  M.  W..  do 

Wilson  Joseph,  do 


r/UMBRO  GEORGE,  carpenter 


RED    BUD. 


This  thriving  town  is  situated  upon  a  gradually 
rising  eminence  in  Horse  Prairie,  near  the  line  which 
divides  the  counties  of  Monroe  and  Randolph.  Its 
history  embraces  no  events  of  early  times  to  give  it 
the  interest  of  antiquity,  its  origin  dating  no  farther 
back  than  the  year  1844.  The  first  house  upon  the 
ground  where  the  town  now  stands  was  erected  in  that 
year  by  Mr.  Richmond  D.  Durfee.  The  year  after 
he  built  a  storehouse  and  commenced  selling  goods. 
About  the  same  time  Samuel  Crozier  erected  a  dwel- 
ling, which  at  that  time  occupied  a  position  to  the  south 
of  where  the  town  afterwards  stood,  but  it  is  now 
nearly  surrounded  with  houses. 

In  the  year  1847,  William  Simmons,  who  owned  a 
part  of  tho  town  site,  had  his  land  surveyed  into  town 
lots,  and  proceeded  to  dispose  of  them  at  public  auction. 
Tho  year  after,  Mr.  Durfee  had  his  land  surveyed  and 
.made  another  public  sale.  Such  was  the  encourao-e- 
merit  received  from  these  two  sales  that  Samuel  Cro- 
zier brought  his  land  into  market,  and  found  ready 
and  anxious  purchasers.  About  the  same  time  a  flour- 
ing mill  Avas  erected  and  put  in  operation  a  little  to 
the  northeast  of  town,  which  is  doing  business  yet. 
*16 


186  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

From  this  time  tho  town  commenced  a  rapid  and 
successful  improvement.  The  first  brick  building  was 
the  school  house,  erected  in  1853,  since  which  time  bricks 
have  beon  used  almost  exclusively  for  building  material 
Soon  afterwards  followed  the  erection  of  a  large  mer- 
chant mill  within  the  limits  of  the  town,  whose  capacity 
for  grinding  is  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of 
flour  per  day.  This  gave  an  additional  impetus  to  tho 
business  prosperity  of  the  place,  and  not  long  after- 
wards there  arose  the  spacious  storehouse  of  Durfee 
&  Crozier,  a  row  of  brick  buildings  covering  a  largo 
portion  of  a  block,  a  large  brick  brewery,  and  many 
other  buildings  of  note  and  importance.  There  is  now 
in  process  of  construction  a  large  hotel,  tho  cost  of 
which  will  amount  to  §12,000,  and  a  large  storehouse 
by  Smith,  Allen  &  Co.,  which  will  be  an  ornament  to 
the  town. 

Though  the  growth  of  the  place  has  been  marked  bj 
a  rapidity  which  seldom  attends  the  progress  of  inland 
towns,  it  has  not  gone  in  advance  of  the  surrounding 
country,  from  which  it  draws  its  commercial  vitality, 
As  a  fanning  region,  Horse  Prairie  and  it>  margin  of 
undulating  timbered  land,  are  unsurpassed  in  beauty 
and  fertility. 

Tho  immense  crops  of  wheat,  corn,  hay,  and  pota- 
toes, harvested  from  the  farms  in  this  prairie,  would 
put  to  a  severe  test  the  credulity  of  the  toiling  farmer 
who  gathers  his  eight  and  ten  bushels  per  acre  from 
the  stony  hill  sides  of  New  England.  Among  the  far- 
mers around  Red  Bud  arc  to  be  found  the  most  indus- 
trious, enterprising  and  wealthy  in  tho  county.  In  this 
fact  lies  the  secret  of  Red  Bud's  pi'osperity.  Every 
inland  town  depends  upon  the  progress  and  advancement 
of  the  country  around  for  its  own  prosperity.     The  pros- 


DIRECTORY.  187 

porou.  ito  of  the  surrounding  country  may,  therefore, 
be  inferred  from  the  amount  of  business  done  in  Red  Bud. 
There  are  five  dry  goods  stores;  six  grocery  stores; 
two  flouring  mills;  two  lumber  yards;  six  merchant 
tailors;  one  drug  store;  one  brewery;  one  livery  sta- 
ble ;  five  boot  and  shoe  shops ;  three  blacksmith  shops; 
three  wagon  manufactories  ;  one  saddlery  and  harness 
shop;  four  hotels;  two  brick  yards;  four  carpenter 
shops;  three  cabinet  shops  ;  three  tin  shops;  one  jew- 
elry store;  one  ambrotype  gallery;  one  high  school 
supported  by  the  town,  independent  of  the  public 
revenue. 


188  RANDOLril    COUNTY    PIRKCTORY. 

HEAVY    STOCK. 

R  D    DURFEE  &  CO., 

At   tlic  old  stand  of  Durfkb  &  Crozier,  continue  to 
kocp  tlic 

And  sell  at  lower  prices  than  any  other  House  in  South- 
ern Illinois.     We  would  say  to  our  friends  in 

MOM,  RA^DOLFH,  AND  ST.  CLAIR  COUNTIES, 

Fetch  on  your  dimes,  and  we  promise  to  satisfy  you  in 

STYLE,  QUALETX  AN©  PRCGi. 
We  have   always  undersold  our  competitors,  and  are 
now  trying  to  undersell  ourselves. 

RED    BXJ13,    October. 

nTsMITH.  ~  R.  J.  SMITH.  J.  R.  ALLEN. 

SMITH,  ALLEN  &  CO., 

DEALERS  IX 

iEKOODS,  IR01IBIIS, 

HARDWARE,  CUTLERY,  &C,  &C. 

N.    W.    CORNER    MAIN    AND    MARKET    STREETS. 

SED    B0D?   ILLINOIS^ 

■— * 

AGENT  FOR  /ETNA  INSURANCE  CO., 

Office  near  Residence,  £n 

RED  BUD,  ILLINOIS. 


11ED  BUD  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  4  SOUTH,  RANGE  8  WEST.— BED  BUD. 


AUiERS  J.  T.,  merchant. 
A  Hon  J.  R.,  postmaster. 
A  i  ii'n  Miner,  farmer. 
Allen  .).  \V.,  notary  public. 
'  ililaiuti  J.  R.,  fanner  and  justice 

•  i  he  peace. 
*  !ln •••lit  M.,  plasterer. 
^  li'innu  Adam,  butcher. 


HKUESrfON  EARNST,  fanner. 
Bcresson  William,       do 
B.-slerbortol  Fred,  do 

Hill'.ir  (icor'*o.  do 

Hurtles  C.  V..  do 

Barker  Minor,  carpenter. 
Barker  D.  M.,         do 
BiHHr  II ■•nrv,  do 

Rlu  W..  teamster. 
Horn  John,  blacksmith. 
Rngo  Henry,  laborer. 
Bauer  Monrv,  fanner. 
Bad.-i  Frederick,  i!  > 
:im,   do 
do 
"",-    laborer. 


Rrr- -■■   W   I 
B,m        Ij.i 

Hr.v1    i„    ,,    : 
Brim  ■■  ■  J..li 


..per. 


Bricky     William,    lumber    mer- 
chant. 
Broekmin  J.  P.,  shoemaker. 
Bosse  Antony,  fanner. 
Burgo  Louis,         do 
Boelioff  G.,  merchant. 
Boergherting  Henry,  laborer. 
Bush  Fred.,  teamster. 
Bush  John,  laborer. 


Brasso  Henry,  farmer. 
Brickey  John,  miller. 
Brown  E.  S..  laborer. 


CTiARK  REUBEN,  farmer. 
(Mine  Wm.,  do 

Conoly  John,  teamster. 
Conoly  Charles,  do 
Coleman  Henry,  lawyer. 
Crozicr  J.  L.,  farmer. 
Cullin  Kil  Timorty,  farmer. 
Cardwell  W.  J.,  doctor. 
Crocker  James.  principal  of  high 

school. 
Crouda  Josei.b,  carpenter. 


D0N01I0  MICHAEL,  farmer. 
Detordiu*'    Fred.,    wason- 
maker. 
De.il..... I  William,  druggist. 
Dono  . ■■  .•  John,  fji  rnter. 
Deaker  William,  d  1 
Durice  I!.  0.,  merchant. 
Davis  E.  R.,  do 

Durlei-  Aaron,  re!  ired. 
Doo]  v  Michael,  laborer. 


"filBERDING    CONRAD,  farmer. 
lli  Eppers  J.  W.,  barkeeper. 
IOisse  Frederick,  cabinetmaker. 
E herding  Henry,  farmer. 


19U 


RANI  <'|.|  ||    coi'M  V 


TOWNSHIP   i  SOUTH,  RASGK  8  WEST.— BED  BUD. 


E  V :  1 1 1      j   hi:    •  ■  i    . .  .     i  : 

Eli-  ('I,.!  .i mill- 

K.l.    U  ,.i.  I  .-,..    . 

]•:■;.•  r. i ;..•.-  n .   '■     ' : 


lit!:. 


Iai.ANJGAX  J<  'II N   limner. 
1    KiilH-i-tv  Mary  do 

FeilTSfi-ill        Li  'ill']' T         W  :slflt- 

llllll 

Faln-m   !■:  '.v.-  ■•!.  furnuv. 
J-' in!i  I'luir!*.!-.  ilu 

Eric]  Hiiir'i.  l-nrl  i  ejw  v. 

Fnivsidi-  I  :••  <\ ..  Uv.rnster. 


G^l  KS'J  J  No  ii  KXriY.  runner. 
J  (JuJ)iMt  Krod.,  do 

Gilbert  Wiliiaiu.  do 

Gilbert  Charles,  do 

Guru  C.  <j..  constable. 
GleiK-r  J  ill. a,  fanner. 
Guinmol  IJi»nry,  cabinetmnkc 
GeisHiunun  Heurv,  teamster. 
Gettli'iiiiii]  C4oor««.  1'iirmor. 
Green  A.  N.,  tinner. 
Guborl  Henry,  farmer. 

Gilbert  <  liri-L.,       ilu 

Grittin  JI-  It.,  school  tieeher. 


HENNA  FRED.,  whool  teacher. 
HiirriHim  Ii.  c.  do         do 
Hank  J.  P.,  [Mint  'T. 
Hinesem  August,,   i:  .'•  aetmnkcr. 
Hulli  Charles,  labour. 
Until  August,       do 
Haiti'  Joseph,  carpenter. 
Ilea  (era  in  (icorge,  cnrjiniitcr. 
Heuer  William,  tailor. 
Heuer  Henry,  brick  mason. 
Helb'ck  Jiilin,     do         do 
Heigh'  Antony,  do         do 
Hath  Mathia,  farmer. 
Henieker  Fred.,  miller. 
Hubi  r  Peter,   farmer. 


ITnnk  M  inc.  famicr. 
II ii._' .. t -  =  ■  1 1  William,  tanner. 
Jli.iinl.iili   I  i,  ii„  ilu 

Hank"1  I  'i  ..nl...  -  .■■!,!■  cutter. 
Iteming    \\  ilii'am,  bi  tel    keeper. 
I  Luynea  0.  K..  do         do 

lleirly  Tbeodorc,  n.  ne  cutter. 
H<  f  •).  C  ear]  i  nU-r. 


JA1ILE     (  URISTIAN,     ehoe- 
mal'i  r. 
Jable  Pari;  jhoemok.  r. 
Jnhle  •''•-•  |'ii.      dn 


KUK.EK  HENRI',  farmer. 
Kuker  Fred.,  do 

Keefcr  Antony,  stone  mason. 
Roister  Charles,  Farmer. 
Kliue  John,  tailor. 
Koch  Henry  do 
Klepper  Henry,  carpenter. 
Elcpper  William,      do 
Kreamer  Charli  ?,  farmer. 
KochDeitrieh  do 

Knoka  Charles,         do 


I    KIUTY  NICHOLAS,  teamster. 

1j  bind  ess   Casper,  blacksmith. 

Leifor  Conrad,  fanner. 

Leiler  Fred.,        do 

Lin'ner  Phillip,    do 

Lohman  August, do 

Lohman  Fred.,    do 

Longitin  Henry,  do 

Lipkiuian  Fred  .  do 

LeiferDcdorich,  do 

Liddv.  Tiinodi  v.  do 


MeCAN  HUGH,  farmer. 
McCan,  Patrick,  farmer. 
Mann  Christian,  do 


DIRECTORY. 


191 


TOWNSHIP   I  SOUTH,  RANGE  8  WEST.— RED  BUD. 


Mohr  J.  C,  barkeeper. 
Mohrs  Henry,  farmer. 
Mohrs  Fred.,  farmer. 
McBride  Isaac,  farmrr. 
McBride  'J.  T.,        do 
McBride  T.  J.,        do 
Minholhy  Charles,  brickmason. 


NAGEL  C.  II.,  briekmason. 
Nagel  Earnest    do 
Nearger  Fred.,  do 

Nelson  Isaac,  do 

Nelson  William,  d<> 


OWEN.  Levi,  briekmason. 
Owen  C.  C,        do 
Outen  William,       do 
Outen,  do 

Offerding  Daniel,  hotel  keeper. 
Ortgeison  Gehard,  shoemaker. 
Ohlwien  David,  farmer. 
Owen  W'illiain,      do 
Obst  Ferdinand,  carpenter. 


pAKROT  PETER,  I'irmei 

X     Parrot  Louis,  do 

Peach  John.  do 

Peurggroth  Fred..  do 

Pelzer  Louis,  do 

Prowsc  William.  do 
Poetonrt.  N-.  M.  D.. 


RALES  J.  .t  li..  farmers. 
Ralls  William,  fanner. 
Ralls  John.  do 

Rail  John,  lio 

Rail  Louis.  do 

Rathut  Charles,  carpenter. 
Ratlnit  William,  plasterer. 
Ronnerberger  F..  farmer. 
Rinehardt  Chariot,  shoemaker. 


Ruhnkorf  Conrad,  laborer. 
R ii  hnkorf  Henry,  wagonniaker. 
Ritter  Henry,  blacksmith. 
Raker  Fred.  Sr.,  carpenter. 
Ruker  Fred.  Jr.,  farmer. 
Re.sse  Fred.,  carpenter. 
Roscon  James,  farmer. 
Ronald  Earnst,    do 
Ronald  Conrad,    do 
Ronald  Fred.,       ilo 
Rolljjink  Fred.,     do 
Rose  Joseph,  cai  penler. 
Roscnmier  Fred.,  do 
Robbing  Wm.  S.,  teamster. 
Ruppol  Leonard,  butcher. 
Reil  v  Adam,  clerk. 


QCHRJEBER    CHARLES,    Jr., 
IO  merchant. 

Schrieber  Charles,  Sr.,  farmer. 
Schrieber  F.,  Sr.,  do 

Schrieber  F.,  Jr. 
Saxonmier  George,  saddler. 
Shatter  Fred  .  !al»oiv,r. 
Shintbeln  Margaret,  farmer. 
Sinook  August,  farmer. 
Snook  William,    do 


Shr.idor  Coi 

Short  .1 

Small  Davi< 

io 

do 

Smith  Hem 

Smith  (Vnr: 
Smith  N..  i< 
Smith  R.  ■!. 
Smith  Ltuu 

V.           i{'.l 
d.         do 

^tic.u  of  pcue.i\ 
inorehant. 
■nee.  hotel  keej 

Simmons  L1 

1  her,  larmor. 

Sinynons  s. 
Simmons  il 
Sipplc  ChrL 
Sippel  Hem 

L.         do 
Me.,     do 
tian.  carpenter. 
v.  fanner. 

Salgor  Earn 
Salger  Fred. 

i.     do 
do 

Sliger  John 
Stillborn  IV 
Smith  H.  0. 

do 
•.I.,  do 

do 

Starnn  Will 

:u,i,do 

Swim  A"-"; 

-1.      do 

192 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY    lntlKi'TOUV 


TOWNSHIP   t  SOUTH.  RANGE  s  WEST.— R KI)  I'.  I'D. 


StOwir  John.  lawyer. 
Snyder  Christopher,  bord*  farrier 
8a  .Yank  lleury.  barber. 
Seibert  J.  A..  ambrotypint 
SeibertH.,  stone  eatter. 
Stineham  Jacob,  farmer. 
Stineham  Frank,     do 
Stumph  Jacob,  D.  D. 
Sturgeon  J.  R..  D.  1). 


TAYLOR  SPENCrJR,  niillor. 
Treaneiler  Math i as,  laborer. 

Toiler  WilliaTii.  bulclier. 
Tummel  John,  briiknmwn. 
Tiiinuiel  Fr.tiik.        <lo 


TTFFUMAN  NOTi'I? 


VOGES  HO  I1Y.  Lcauiater. 
Voges  C-.ip-.-ni  Si\.  (firmer. 
Voges  Conrad  .Jr.,  do 

Vos9  Fred..  du 


Veigbt  William,  M.  D. 
Vagely  S.,  laborer. 


WALKER  FRED.,  farmer. 
Wichiien  A.,  do 

Wichlien  John  L.,  do 

Wiclilein  John,  gunsmith. 
Weaver  Daniel,  farmer. 
Weaver  Peter,         do 
Wehrhiem  Philip  Sr.,  farmer. 
Wehrheirn  Philip  Jr.,      do 
Winegertnei  Charles,  carpenter. 
Weber  Jacob,  do 

Wundt  Charles.  M.  D. 
Wagoner  Fred  ,  w.igonmaker. 
V/ipkiu  Fred.,  farmer. 
Wipkia  August,   do 
Wilson  James  G.,  farmer. 
Wilson  Gilbert,  do 

Weiss  Leonard,  blacksmith. 
Wilson  R.  &..  farmer. 
Weiss   Phil.  i'i       Adam,    tailors 
and  shoemakers. 


Y 


EAGER  AR  rON  V,  farmer. 
Young  William,         do 


A.  B.  ACftEW,   ¥*. 


§hpii[ian  and   ^nrpon, 

PRAIRIE  DU  ROCHER, 

n.£iio.ca.cz>liDlx    County,   171. 


PRAIRIE  DU  ROGHER  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  9  WEST.— PRAIRIE  DU  ROCHER. 


AGNEW  A.  B.,  physician. 
Albert  Antoine,  farmer. 
Atcher  Charles,  do 


BACHELIER    FRANK,    mer- 
chant. 
Briekey    Frank    W.,    merchant 

miller. 
Bachelier  Philibert,  carpenter. 
Barbeau  Benjamin,  farmer. 
Barbeau  Andrew  Jr.,  do 
Barbeau  Henry,  do 

Barbeau  John  B.,         do 
Barbeau  Antoine, 
Barbeau  Baptiste, 
Brown  Matthew, 
Barber  Francis, 
Bege  Leurent, 
Buyat  Ambrose, 
Benvenu  Raynold, 
Blandford  Felix, 
Blais  Joseph, 


Blais  Thomas, 
Boneau  Pierre, 
Brewer  John  Sr., 
Brewer  George, 
Brown  Albion, 
Blais  Godfrey, 
Blandheld  Albert, 
Blais  Narcissus, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 

do 
do 


pAVANAU  L.  D.,  farmer. 
\J  Chaudol    Theophill,  proprie- 
tor of  Union  Hotel. 

17 


Chartreau  Michael,  farmer. 
Cheoweth  Gabriel. 
Clark  James,  do 

Connely  James,  do 

Collegnor  Joseph,  do 

Curat  Alphonse,  do 

Carr  Benjamin,  laborer. 


D 


AVIS  H.  S.,  blacksmith. 
Derouse  Edward,  farmer. 


Delfry  Maxemilion, 

Danane  Martin, 
Danjan  John, 
Dorron  Lesen, 
Dorron  Ferain, 
Drawry  Clement. 
Drapan  William, 
Duelas  Eugene, 
Duelas  Rosemond, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 

do 


GODAIR  PIERRE,  farmer. 
Godair  John  B.,        do 
j  Godair  Celerin,  do 

!  Grevet  Danis,  do 

,  Grainner  Johu  B..  do 

GuebertC,  do 


HARRIS  GRAVAIS,  farmer. 
Harris  Thomas,  do 

Hansbrough  Elija  do 

Harestend  Thomas,  do 

HayuesHosea,  do 

Henry    William,    justice  of  the 
p  '.!>  ■  and  ii'  fcary  public. 

ifo  ■-•     Iv.limiud. 


194 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


TOWNSHIP  6  SOUTH,  RANGE  9  WEST.— PRAIRIE  DU  ROCHER. 


JEFFRY  W.  M.,  physician. 
Johnson  John,  tanner. 


KERR  HENRY,  farmer. 
Kerr  John,  merchant. 
Kerr  A.,  do 


LACHAPELLE  AMEDEE,  far- 
mer. 
Langlois  Francis,  farmer. 
Langlois  Antoine,     do 
Levery  Joseph,  do 

Levery  Godlrey,  do 
Louviere  John  B.,  do 
Louviere  Henry,  do 
Louviere  Ciprain,  do 
Louviere  Baptiste,  do 
Lee  A.  H.,  merchant  miller. 


M 


ANNING  ISADORE,  farmer. 


Medeaf  Edward, 
Medeaf  Charles  B.. 
Miller  William, 
Mbase  Solomon, 
Mangen  Prosper, 
Mongen  Francis, 
Mudd  Thomas  L., 
Mudd  Vincent, 
Mudd  Thomas, 
Mudd  James  T., 
Montgomery  Thomas  L., 
McNabb  Matthew, 
McGee  Augustus,  saddler. 


N 


EAL  JOSEPH,  farmer. 


0' 


WEN    CONSTANTINE,    far- 
mer. 
Owen  Croewell,  farmer. 


PERRAT    FERDINAND,    far- 
mer. 
Perrat  Francis,  farmer. 
Phegly  Jacob,         do 
PheglyJohn,  do 

Panpar  Pelazie,     do 
Pairier  Frederick,  farmer. 


ROBBINS  WILLIAM. 
Ray  Ely  A. 
Ray  Antoine. 
Ray  Adolphus. 
Ray  Ferdinand. 
Ray  Phelix, 


SANTEAN  JOHN  B.,  farmer. 
Shea  Michael,  do 

Simmons  Henry  M.,  do 

Skedmore  H.  M.,  do 

Steinkop  Frederick,  Mason. 
Sprigg,  James  Dv  merchant. 
Sprigg  John,  do 

Schrider,  Dr.,  farmer. 


THIBEAU  ISRAEL,  farmer. 
Timpton  Sias,  do 

Tuller  John  B.  do 

Thibeau  Francis,  do 


W 


ENTHER  GEORGE,  farmer. 


TOWNSHIP  i  3.,  RANGE  10  W.,  FR.— PRAIRIE  DU  ROCHER. 

^NGLAND  ROBERT. 
-i  Elliot  Joseph,  farmer. 


G 


ODAIR  ALEXIS,  fanner. 


DIRECTORY. 


195 


TOWNSHIP  5  S..  RANGE  in  W.,  FR.— PRAIRIE  DU  ROCHER. 


LANGLOI8  ETIENNE,  C. 
mer. 
Louviere  John  N.,  farmer. 
Louviere  Eugene,        do 
Louviere  Vital,  do 

Louviere  Benjamin,    do 


fcr- 


^lEARS   S.  S.,  commission  mer- 


chant. 


WALDRON     WILLIAM,    far- 
mer. 


TOWNSHIP  7  P.,  RANGE  8  W.,  FR  — I'KAIRIE  DU  ROCHER. 


BIENVIENU     FRANCIS    E. 
farmer. 
Bienvienu  Lewis,  farmer. 


CASSON  ANTOINE  B.,  farmer. 
Casson  Felix,  do 

Charlivillc  Charles,  do 

Charliville  Francois,  do 


DEROUSE  JOSEPH  T..  farmer. 
Dobbs  W.  K.,  do 

Dobbs  Jonathan,  do 

Dobbs  Richard,  do 

Doza  Alexis.  do 


Doza  William. 
Dunis  Antoine. 


G 


ENDROU  LUKE. 


>UJOL  LOUIS  P. 
Planase  Antoine. 


THOMAS  FULTON. 
Thomas  Matthew. 
Thomas  Plumer. 


farmer, 
do 


196 


KANDuLrii    COUNTY  DIRECTORY. 


S.  TURNER,  JONES  &  CO,, 

Ilavc   in    Store   a    carefully   selected   Stock    of 


^mjmmmmmmc 


09 


sr  fsstii 


f 


Which  they  offer  at 

MY  WW  PRICES  FOR  CASH. 

Attention   is   called   to   their   Stock   of 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

Which  will  be  found  extensive,  and  of  the  best  make 
and  material. 


Are   selected  to   answer  the   wishes  of  regular  custo- 
mers, and  can  be  relied  upon  for  quality. 


*w  Suli  'S  '-SS  '■'Si  ''fill  ;>8  IBji 


CONSTANTLY  KEPT  IN  STOEE. 

Liberty,  Illinois, 


LIBERTY. 


About  thoyear  1805,  John  Hickman  built  a  house  in 
front  of  tho  present  location  of  Liberty,  on  land  which 
has  long  since  given  place  to  the  current  of  the  river. 
In  1806,  Mr.  Mansker,  father  of  Samuel  Mansker, 
built  a  houso  on  the  island  opposite  the  town,  and 
opened  a  farm.  Samuel  Mansker  built  the  first 
house  within  the  limits  of  the  present  town — the  same 
that  is  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Tuthill  as  a  chair  manu- 
factory. The  first  store  was  established  by  James 
McCormack. 

In  the  year  1832,  John  Stearns,  an  emigrant  from 
Tennessee,  purchased  the  land  and  laid  off  the  upper 
part  of  town  into  town  lots.  A  sprightly  improvement 
followed,  and  the  place  rapidly  assumed  town  propor- 
tions. About  the  year  1836,  Capt.  W.  B.  Charles, 
James  Dean,  Dr.  Mannino,  Harvey  Clendenin, 
Samuel  Barber,  Thomas  Frazier,  E.  G-.  Hall,  Brew- 
ster, and  some  others  located  in  the  town,  and  gave 
it  quite  a  start  towards  a  high  destiny.  Mansker, 
Clendenin  &  Barker  established  a  store  and  carried 
on  a  heavy  business  in  buying  and  shipping  grain.  At 
this  time  there  was  probably  more  corn  shipped  from 
Liberty  than  from  any  other  port  in  Randolph  County. 

Tho  town  was  incorporated  in  1837,  and  the  local 
*17 


198  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

government  sot  in  motion.  The  first  board  of  town 
trustees  consisted  of  William  B.  Charles,  Nathaniel 
Manning,  John  D.  Stearns,  John  Stearns  and  Jacob 
Parks.  John  Stearns  was  elected  President,  and 
Harvey  Ciendenin,  Clerk. 

The  place  maintained  a  gradual  improvement  until 
about  tho  year  1842.  From  that  period  there  was  but 
little  progress  until  about  four  years  ago.  In  1855, 
the  enterprising  citizens  of  the  town  and  vicinity  or- 
ganized a  joint  stock  association,  and  commenced  the 
erection  of  a  large  flouring  mill.  This  was  the  signal 
for  other  improvements,  and  during  the  next  two  years 
a  great  many  now  houses  were  built.  The  mill  was 
completed  and  set  in  operation  in  1856.  It  is  of  the 
largest  class  of  merchant  mills,  capable  of  producing 
two  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of  flour  per  day. 

The  town  now  contains  five  dry  goods  stores;  two 
grocery  stores;  one  chair  factory;  one  wagon  shop; 
two  blacksmith  shops;  one  boot  and  shoe  shop;  one 
cooper  shop;  one  hotel;  three  physicians;  one  school 
house. 

Liberty  is  ono  of  the  largest  wood  markets  on  the 
Mississippi  river.  About  ten  thousand  dollars'  worth  of 
wood  is  sold  from  her  numerous  yards  annually. 

A  church  was  organized  in  Liberty,  about  the  year 
1844  by  Rev.  C.  C.  Riggs.  Tho  congregation  usually 
occupy  the  school  house.  Rev.  B.  II.  Charles  supplies 
the  pulpit  occasionally. 

Liberty  is  situated  in  tho  southeast  corner  of  Ran- 
dolph County,  upon  a  strip  of  level  land,  with  the  Mis- 
sissippi in  front  and  a  range  of.  wild,  cragged  bluffs  in 
the  rear.  The  river  at  this  point  is  probably  narrower 
than  at  any  other  place  between  New  Orleans  and  St. 
Anthony    Falls,    measuring   in   an   ordinary   stage  of 


DIRECTORY.  199 

water  something  less  than  four  hundred  yards.  Tho 
country  surrounding  Liberty  is  somewhat  broken,  and 
heavily  timbered.  The  soil  on  tho  uplands  is  well 
adapted  to  tho  production  of  wheat,  of  which  the  far- 
mers raise  large  quantities. 


F|i  ^sl  fli 

J.  P.  MANN, 

Liberty,  Illinois, 

JONES'  CREEK  POST  OFFICE. 

Keeps  on  hand  a  large  Stock  of 

HARDWARE,  QUEENS  WARE, 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

HATS  AND  CAPS 

MUG,  WOODEN  AND  WILLOW  WARE, 

All  of  which  he  sells  low  to  cash  or  prompt  time  pur- 
chasers. 


-     -  KANDOLPH    COVJITY   DIRECTORY. 


3   BoCTH,  RA>'>JE  «  WE>I.- LIBERTY 


LP":        ~    v       BG  LLOM,  farmer 
Law  X       I  do 


MINSK  E  R  ]      " 
\\"  iiMr. 

V  -  v-  -  \>  do 

V-  -  --.  "t.      iO  J,-, 

>'-    •   "•    A-      "         r     \.-      -  r 


B.  N.  BOND. 

PHYSICIAN.  SURGEON.  AND  ACCOUCHER, 

gVANSVIllg,  ILLrHQfS. 

■  - 


ILLE 


y  *■ 


i^~n.  v.  A3* 
••M  is  t»  Levi 


^.  ^      .    i.  — . 


:    .i-     I",*: 


I".:    ---         -      --     ?  =.71 


.--      7. 


N  ~- 


204  RANDOLPH    COUNTY    DIRECTORY. 

liam  McNeal.  The  next  year,  1840,  William  and 
McKee  O'Melvany  brought  to  the  town  a  stock  of 
dry  goods  and  commenced  merchandizing.  At  this 
time  the  flourishing  aspect  of  affairs  induced  the  opin- 
ion that  Evansville  must  become  a  place  of  some  busi- 
ness importance,  but  under  the  heavy  financial  embar- 
rassment which  almost  crushed  out  the  energies  of 
western  prosperity  about  this  time,  there  was  no  more 
improvement  until  the  year  1847,  when  a  new  impetus 
was  given  the  town  by  Volien  "Weiriiam,  who  erected 
a  store  house  and  commenced  selling  goods.  Other 
acquisitions  were  made  to  the  town  as  time  passed 
along.  In  1*54,  Jonathan  Chetsnutwood,  from  Ohio, 
came  to  tho  place  and  established  a  dry  goods  store. 
Soon  afterwards  came  David  Hartzell,  the  now  busi- 
ness partner  of  Chestnut  wood.  The  same  year  Evans 
&  Weiriiam  erected  and  put  in  operation  a  steam  flour- 
ing mill.  In  1857  Wundsbliok  erected  a  brewery,  in 
which  is  brewed  the  celebrated  "Evansviile  Beer." 

The  growth  of  the  place  thus  far  has  depended  upon 
the  improvement  of  the  country  around  it, — but  the 
successful  navigation  of  the  Kaskaskia  river,  during  the 
past  season,  is  giving  advantages  to  the  place  which 
will  create  much  improvement.  In  addition  to  what 
has  been  mentioned  the  town  com  tains  two  wagon 
manufactories;  two  blacksmith  shops ;  five  cooper  and 
one  saddlery  shop ;  two  hotels;  two  physicians;  sev- 
eral carpenters  and  masons;  one  tailor;  a  good  school 
house  in  which  a  permanent  school  is  kept  by  James 
A.  J.  Martin.     Ferry  kept  by  James  Walsh. 

Tho  Methodist  denomination  have  two  church  organ- 
izations—  Bngliah  and  German — both  organized  in  1858. 
Taylor  preaches  for  the  former.  Baah  for  the  latter. 
Catholics,  are  building  a  house  of  vrorship. 


EVANSVILLE  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  8  WEST.— EVANSVILLE. 


A  NDERSON  JAMES  P. 


BERTH  A.L  MICHAEL,  farmer. 
Bart  John,  farmer. 
Blais  E.,  do 

Braise  Henry,       do 
Braise  Frederick,   farmer. 


Bruzer  Lewis, 
Brown  John, 
Brown  George  T., 
Brewer  Felix, 
Brewer  Thomas, 
Butler  Thomas, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


Bond  B.  N.,  physician. 


CAMPBELL  ARCHIBALD,  far- 
mer. 
Carroll  Martin,  farmer. 
Clase  John  W.,       do 
Crorgon  James,      do 
Chestnutwood  J.,  merchant. 


DEGNER    FREDERICK,    far- 
mer. 
Derouse  Phillip,  farmer. 
Divers  Andrew,       do 
Dawling  Michael,   do 
Douglas  G.  W.,        do 
Douglas  John  A.,  farmer  and  jus- 
tice of  the  Peace. 

18 


ECCLES  EDMUND,  grocer. 
Evans  William,  farmer. 


FAIIARTY  MANNS,  farmer. 
Flawlcy  Michael,         do 
Flam  Gasper,  do 


GUEBLE  JOHN,  farmer. 
Giberding  Debrich,  farmer. 
Gross  Nicholas,  do 


HASEMIRRER  LATTIS,   far- 
mer. 
Hannaman  Henry,  farmer. 
Hannibutt  Charles,    do 
Hannibutt  Frederick  Jr.,  farmer. 
Hermiss  Phillip,  do    . 

Hindmann  Frederick,  do 

Haman  Rudd,  do 

Hopka  Henry,  do 

Horrel  Benedict,  do 

Horrel  Benedict  J.,  do 

Horrel  Cornelius,  do 

Horrel  John  M.,  do 

Horrel  Francis  E.,  do 

Horrel  Thomas  L.,  do 

Hull  James,  do 

Harstead  John,  do 

Hartzell  David,  merchant. 


206 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


TOWN8HIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  8  WEST.— EVANSVILLE. 


TEFFRY  C 


farmer. 


KERSTOB  JEENRY,  farmer. 
Knott  Killery,  do 

Kucker  Frederick  H.,         do 
Eucker  William,  do 


M 


ARTIN  JAMES  A.  J.,  teacher. 
Marlin  Fleetwood,  farmer. 


Mitchell  Robert, 
Mudd  Henry, 
Mudcl  Francis, 
Mudd  Charles, 
Mudd  John, 
Murphy  Michael, 
McCraw  John, 
McCann  James, 
McDermot  James, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


0 


HARRA  JAMES. 
Ohmes  Charles. 


PAULTER  JOSEPH  8r. 
Paulter  Joseph  Jr. 
Paultcr  Paul. 


RABE  DEDERICK,  farmer. 
Ready  Edward,         do 
Runger  Frederick,  do 


s 


IMPSON  JOHN  C,  farmer. 


Simpson  H.  D.,  do 

Simpson  Thomas  A.,  do 

Simpson  James  D.,  do 

Simpson  Thomas  L.,  do 

Smith  Lyman,  do 

Skeudmore  A.  G.,  do 

Stiffens  Otto,  do 


TILLMAN  FREDERICK. 
Thompson  John  M. 


T7INSAN  JOHN. 


WALSH  JAMES. 
Walsh  Nicholas. 
Wegner  Dedrich. 
Weherheim  John. 
Welshire  C.  H. 
Whalen  Jonathan. 


YOUNG  ANDREW. 
Yum  Peter. 


DIRECTORY. 


207 


208 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY  DIRECTORY. 


THOMISON  &  HARMON, 

STEELESVILLE,  ILL. 

DEALERS  IN 

w  m  ifyt  m 


oj  w    in  rra  hy 


BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

HATS  AND  CAPS,  GROCERIES, 

HARDWARE  A&Q  CUTL&RY, 

And  nil  other  articles  necessary  lo  constitute  a  eompli  lc  ns<'»rfment 
of  such  Goods  as  the  country  demands. 

Our  business  is  transacted  on  tho  mutual  principle  and  we  invito 
our  friends  and  tho  public  generally  to  bring  us  every  article  of 
merchantable  produce,  and  exchange  it  for  Goods.  Give  us  a  call 
when  you  visit  Steclcsville. 

CHEAP  CASH  STORK 

J.  M   EXAXiONB  &  BRO , 

Ilavin  ;  established  themselves  in  (ho 

DRY-GOODS  &  GROCERY  BUSINESS, 

Would  respectfully  solicit  a  share  of  the  patronago  around  St<  *  los- 
villc.     In  our  Store  will  ;it  all  times  bo  found  a  complete  variety  of 

di&  Jl     <3ar  v-^  vi>  J^  @  ^  <&&  -u  Ji>  G*i  ;   ^  -.si  Js  \&  9 
BOOTS,  SLIDES, 
SUGAR,  MOLASSES,  COFFEE,  L'EAt 
PSFPER,  SPIOS,  &8.,  &5. 

Our  Stock  is 'open  for  inspection,  and  everybody  is  invited  t« 
call  ci.d  sec  us. 


STEELESVTLLE. 


Steole.vrllie,  forrn.vI,r  :iam  !  and  yet  eallod  George- 
town,  is  .-i;  mtcJ  towards  the  e  i.stern  boundary  of  tho 
county,  fifteen  miles  from  Chester,  on  the  road  leadin  •;  to 
Pinekncyville.  The  oh  I  Indian  trail  and  road  leading 
from  Shu  .vnoeLo  v  i  '■>  !  l.'.-^i-kin  passed  over  the  ground 
on  wlii .  !i  the  town  is  m  ale.  and  for  many  years  beforo 
there  was  any  prospect  of  a  town,  it  was  the  prin  'ipal 
thoroughfare  of  travel  for  (he  Southern  District  of 
Illinois.  Emigrants,  from  beyond  the  Ohio,  crossed  tho 
river  at  Khawneetown,  and  came  this  route  to  Kas- 
kaskiu. 

Gbojiok  Rtkklh,  the  original  proprietor  of  Steeles- 
villc,  located  upon  the  land  where  the  town  stands,  in 
1810,  and  male  a  small  farm.  The  most  important 
event  in  the  early  history  of  this  place  was  the  erection 
of  a  Port  or  "  Block  House.'"  in  the  year  1812,  in  which 
the  neighboring  settlers  took  refuge  from  the  Kickapoo 
Indians,  whose  hostilities  towards  the  Americans  had 
been  excited  by  t ho  British  During  one  whole  season 
the  people  lived  in  thin  PV>i*t.  and  never  left  it  without 
their  guns  and  arm-;  of  defense. 

The  foundation  of  the  town  was  laid  in  1825,  by  the 
erection  of  a  tread-mill  by  Mr.  Stekltc.  The  mill 
machinery  was  driven  by  the  weight  of  oxen  treading 
*18 


210  RANDOLPH    CODNTT 

upon  an  inclined  wheel,  which  created  sufficient  power 
to  drive  and  run  the  burrs.  The  mill  created  the  neces- 
sity for  a  store.  This  necessity  was  supplied  two  years, 
afterwards  by  Col.  Gabriel  Jones,  who  opened  the  first 
stock  ot  goods  ever  brought  to  Georgetown.  In  tho 
same  year — 1827 — a  post  office  was  established,  and  Col. 
Jones  appointed  Postmaster.  The  post  offico  was 
named  "  Steele's  Mills,"  and  it  still  retains  the  original 
name,  though  the  town  was  first  called  Georgetown, 
and  afterwards,  by  Act  of  tho  Legislature,  changed  to 
Stcelesvillc. 

With  a  mill,  a  store,  a  post  offico,  a  hotel,  and  a  black- 
smith shop,  as  a  basis  to  start  upon,  tho  enterprising 
proprietor  proceeded  in  1832,  to  have  his  land  surveyed 
into  town  lots,  which  he  offered  for  sale  at  public  auc- 
tion. Among  the  purchasers  at  this  first  sale  of  lots, 
were  Capt.  Rogers,  Col.  Jones,  Dr  Jones,  Robert 
Jones,  and  Tanner  Briggs.  From  this  time  the  town 
commenced  growing,  and  its  progress  has  been  slow 
and  gradual — additions  being  made  just  as  fast  as  tho 
advancing  country  around  increased  the  demands  of 
trade. 

In  1838-0,  Mr.  Steele  erected  a  brick  residence,  the 
first  brick  building  in  the  place,  which  was  an  orna- 
ment to  the  town.  It  is  now  owne»d  and  occupied  by 
Harry  Jenkins  as  a  hotel. 

In  the  year  1842,  the  old  mill  becoming  worn  and 
unstoady  from  the  dilapidation  of  age,  Mr.  Steele 
built  another  one,  near  where  the  first  one  stood,  upon 
the  same  plan,  but  much  larger.  It  did  excellent  ser- 
vice for  several  years,  but  its  din  and  noise  are  heard 
no  more — only  the  wreck  of  it  remaining. 

The  first  church  of  Georgetown  was  organized  in 
1834,  by  Rev.  Eli  Suort.     The  congregation  continued 


DIRECTORY.  211 

to  worship  regularly  for  sorao  yoars,  but  finally  the 
members  bocoming  scattered,  tho  organization  was 
abanJonod.  Another  church  was  organized  in  1838,  by 
Rev.  J.  B.  At.cott,  a  Baptist  minister,  and  this  may  be 
called  tho  first  Baptist  church  of  Stcclesvillc.  A  school 
bouse,  standing  a  little  to  tho  eastward  of  town,  was 
usod  for 'church  purposes  by  the  congregation  until 
1848,  whon  a  now  building  was  erected  in  tho  wostern 
part  of  town. 

In  1854,  this  congregation  divided  upon  somo  ques- 
tion of  difference,  and  tho  dissenting  portion  erected  a 
now  church  building,  and  have  become  a  distinct  organ- 
ization. Rev.  II.  S.  Gordon  supplies  the  pulpit  of  th© 
now  church,  and  Rov.  II.  S.  Deppk  that  of  the  old  ono. 

Tho  Methodists  havo  an  organization,  (the  dato  of 
whoso  commencement  has  been  lost,)  and  proaching 
occasionally  by  Rov.  Mr.  J  a  v. 

Tho  Presbyterian  Church  was  organized  about  cighl 
months  ago,  by  Rev.  B.  II.  Ciiarlks,  of  Chester.  Th» 
congregation  occupies  the  old  Baptist  Church,  and  Rov. 
A.  A.  Morrison  fills  tho  pulpit. 

Stcelesville  has  one  school  house,  in  which  a  school  is 
kept  regularly.  It  is  a  good,  substantial  frame  build- 
ing, and  stands  a  little  to  the  northward  of  town.  A 
new  flouring  mill  has  just  been  put  in  operation,  with  a 
capacity  of  grinding  one  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of 
flour  per  day.  They  have  a  good  steam  saw  mill  ;  four 
dry  goods  stores  ;  one  wagon  shop  ;  two  cabinet  shops  ; 
one  boot  and  shoe  shop;  one  cooper  shop;  one  black- 
smith shop;  one  tailor  shop;  one  hotel,  and  two  physi- 
cians. 


STEELESVILLE  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  0  SOUTH,  RANGE  b  WEST.— STEELESVILLE. 


DAMS  TILFORD. 
L  Arnold  Elias,  farmer. 


I)AT)GLEY  DAVID  S..  fanner. 
)  Bvrnor  John  II.,  miller. 
Bcrn^r  JoEfpIi  W..         <lo 

Berner  Frederick,  f;irmcr. 
Ban-i  n  I  Robert. 
]$cn>on  Christopher,  farmer. 
]1  jgjjeman  Henry  Sr.,     do 
Bc^;;oman  Henry  Jr.,     do 
B  v ,  mum  An  .rust.  do 

]V:i«  1.  t!i '  ;ri'  F..  physician. 
Blair  James  11  ,  farmer. 
BlairR-oherl  II.,      do 
Jit  worn i in i  Michael,  fanner. 
Brown  Joseph,  do 

Brown  P.;\id,  do 

Brown  Isaac-   15..  merchant. 
Brown  Pi  cMon,  do 

Brown  William  II..  farmer. 
Brown  Samuel  N.,  blacksmith. 
Brown  James  T.,  farmer. 
Brown  Allrod  A..      do 
Brown  William.         do 
Brown  Midiae-l,        do 
Blashear  William  W.,  fanner. 
Blackclsby  Thomas,         do 
Busher  Henry,  do 


CAMPBELL  WILLIAM  E.,  far- 
mer. 
Caatellnw  Alfred,  farmer. 
Caatellow  John  T.,  blacksmith. 
Cross  Francis,  farmer. 


DEPrE  II.  S.  Rev.,  farmer. 
Dennis  Charles  J.,  do 
Dennis  .lames,  do 

Dc.ppc  Au  msliis,  do 

Dosj>et  K<  v..  farmer  and  teacher. 
Dun  ran  Jacob,  do 


[^REUS  FREDERICK,  farmer. 
J  Edwards  Thomas  B.,     do 


FORSFE  NAPOLEON,  farmer. 
Forsie  Richard,  do 


GLAPFORD  REUBEN,  farmer. 
Gordon  Gcorgo,  do 

Gordon  II.  S.,  Rev.,  do 

Green  Carter,  do 

Guyinou  Thomas,  do 


'NGLAES  B.  F.,  carpenter. 


JERNIGAN  W.  R.,  farmer  wad 
brick  maker. 
Jenkins  R.  II.,  hotel  keeper. 


KAMPEN   CnARLES,  farm« 
Korn  Abraham,  d» 


DIRECTOR*". 


218 


TOWNSHIP  6  SOUTH,  BANGE  5  WEST.— STEELESVILLB. 


Korn  Elijah.  farmer. 

Korn  Jacob,  do 

Korn  John,  do 

Kane  James,  <lo 

Kendall  xdward,  wagon  maker. 


LEIINHOFF  LEWIS,  farmer. 
Lehnburg   Christopher,     far- 
mer. 

Lively  Lewis,  farmer. 

Lively  Shadrick.  farmer. 

Lickcas  Robert,  merchant. 

Lickess  John,  farmer. 

Lofton    Eli.    farmer    and    school 
commissioner. 

Luhl'singer  Henry,  shoemaker. 


M ALONE  JOHN  T...  fanner. 
Malone  Jamed  M.,  merchant 
Malonc  J.  A..  do 

Mathews  John,  Rev. 
Math  is  Leonard,  fanner. 
Math  is  John,  do 

Marion  J. 

Martin  William  C.  farmer. 
Mossburg  Frederick,  do 
Missel  horn  William,  do 
Mi ntcr  Jacob,  do 

Morgan  J.  F.,  do 

Morgan  G.  S..  physician, 
Morns  James,  cabinet  maker. 
Morrison  John,  farmer. 
Morrison  Robert.,  do 
Monteith  John  A.,  larmer. 
Myerholf  Henry,       do 


PAHLMAN    IIENTRY,   carpen- 
ter. 
Parker  Senaea,  merchant  miller. 
Perily  Henry,  farmer. 


ROBISON  WILLIAM,  farmer. 
Robison  Cyrus,  cooper. 


Robison  Daniel,  farmer. 
Rossindall  Frederick,  farmer. 
Rnhrede  Frederick,  do 

Russell  Leonard,  do 

Rnizcde  Henry,  do 

Rihnheart  August.,  cooper. 


SHAFER    DANIEL    H.,  brick- 
maker. 
Short.  John  T.,   farmer. 
Short.  John  K.,      do 
Short  Thomas  E.,  farmer. 
Short  Richard  J.,      do 
Km  i  tli  Lewis  M.,        do 
Sowe.-by    A.    G.,   carpenter 

cabinet  maker. 
Soaper  Robert,  farmer. 
Stevens  Wi'liam  II.,  farmer. 


and 


Stillwaugli  Jacob 
Stillwaugli  Albert, 
Stok  r  . I. noes  M., 
Sto  sie  Albert, 
Steele  Rilen, 
Steele  Thomas, 
Steele  James. 
Steele  John  Sr., 
St'-.i  le  .lame.,  C, 
Sto  >le  Harvey, 
Sto<  le  Ja.-per, 
Steele  Elvis, 
Steele  Thomas, 
Steele  M.  E., 
Steele  Carroll, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


ivsberry  George  W.,  cooper. 
Slaley  Jacob,  fanner. 


rnATUTM  WILLIAM  B.,  farmer. 
JL   Tato  William,  do 

Thomson  George,  merchant. 
Thomas  John  W.,  farmer. 


u 


HLES  JAMES  Hv  farmer. 


914 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


TOWNSHIP  6  60UTH,  RANGE  5  WEST— 6TEELESVILLB. 

farmer. 


rAUGHAN  JAMES,  farmer. 


W 


EATTE  HENRY,  fanner. 
Whitford  S.  C, 


Wilden  B.r 


YOUNG  EPHRAIM   J.,  black- 
smith. 


TOWNSHIP  fl  S.,  RANGE  6  W.— HARMON  SETTLEMENT. 


ARNOLD  ELIAS,  farmer. 
Addlcr  William,  do 
Adair    William,    farmer    and 

teacher. 
Albert  John,  farmer. 


BEGGAMANN    Augustus,   far- 
mer. 

Baird  A.  P.,  do 

Barnet  Martin  B.,  do 

Bean  James  J.,  do 

Bean  David,  do 

Bean  Benjamin,  do 

Bean  William,  do 

Boswell  Timothy,  do 

Burrows  Ezckiel,  do 


CAMPBELL  EDWARD,  farmer. 

Campbell  John,  do 

Caudle  John,  do 

Caudle  Sampson,  do 

Caudle  Richard,  do 

Carstatter  David,  do 
farter  Julian,   teacher. 

•ieckmever  John,  do 
Colman  R.  E. 

Clawson  Frederick.  do 


Dagener  Henry,  farmer. 
Dillard  William,     do 
Dillard  John  A.,      do 
Ditty  Amos,  do 

Demising  F.  Sr.,  Rev.,  farmer. 
Demising  F.  Jr.,  do 

Dresemyer  Henry,  do 

Delany  A.,  do 

Dolany  John  A.  do 

Dunsing  F.  M.  do 


EBERS  WILLIAM,  farmer. 

Elsey  William,  do 

Elliot  Joseph,  do 

Exum  William,  do 

Exum  Crawford,  do 

Exum  John,  do 

Ewbanks  John  F.,  do 


FAXSLOW  FREDERICK,    far- 
mer. 
Ficne  Henry,  farmer. 
Flanagan  Michael,  farmer. 
Fleming  Janus,  do 

Fleming  John,  do 

Foster  John.  do 

Fleming  William,        do 


DETMORE  FREDERICK,  far- 
mer. 


GANT  JOHN  H,  farmer. 
Gramels  Henry,  do 


DIRECTORY. 


Sit 


TOWNSHIP  6  8.,  RANGE  8  W.— HARMON  SETTLEMENT. 


Glenn  Amos  H.,     farmer. 
Gant  Thomas,  do 


HACKMASTER  HENRY,  far- 
mer. 
Hanna  James  H.,  farmer. 
Harmon  John  C,       do 
Harmon  Jonn  Jr.,    do 
Harmon  William,     do 
Harmon  Phillip,       do 
Harmon  George  Sr.  do 
Harmon  George  Jr.  do 
Harmon  Abraham  Sr.,  farmer. 

Hanjfion  Abraham  Jr.,  do 

Harmon  Michael,  do 

Harmon  James  Jr.,  do 

Harmon  Jacob,  do 

Harmon  George  T.,  do 

Harris  John,  do 

Harris  Samuel,  do 

Harris  Eli,  do 

Hartraan  John  H.,  do 

Hathorn  James,  do 

Hathaway  Milton,  do 

Hathaway  James,  do 

Heard  William,  do 

Hesemeyer  Frederick,  do 

Heitmann  Harman,  do 
Henderlighter  W.  J.  G.,  do 

Hagranee  Frederick,  do 

Hoppc  Frederick,  do 

Hughes  Felix,  do 

Hartley  Daniel,  do 

Heitman  Detrick,  do 


JAY  C.  F.,  Rev.,  farmer. 
Johnson  Peter,    do 
Jorgens  Detrick,        do 


KARStfWS  FREDERICK. 
K  arsfenEr  .Le  v$. 
Keller  John  P.,  carpenter. 
Knope  Frederick,  farmer. 
Knope  George,  do' 


Knope  Henry,      farmer. 
Kern  Phillip,  do 

Kakle  Henry,  farmer  and  b^Mk> 
smith. 


LOIIRDING  HENRY,  farmer. 
Lively  Reuben,  do 

Lawrence  Job,  do 

Lawrence  Charles,  do 

Lawrence  Joseph,  school  teacher. 
Lacy  John,  farmer. 
Lelmherr  Isaac,  merchant. 
Lendweill  H.,  farmer. 
Lively  Edward,  cooper. 
Lively  Joseph,  farmer. 


MAXWELL  JAMES,  farmer. 
Maxwell  William,      do 
Marlin  John  M.,  cooper. 
Marlin  Thomas,  farmer. 
Marlin  William  Jr.,  farmer. 
Malone  William  D.,  farmer  and 

blacksmith. 
Mahan  A.  J.,  farmer. 
Mahan  John,      do 
Mahan  David,     do 
Menis  William,  do 
Miller  Frederick,  farmer 
Miller  Augustus,        do 
Moore  Levi, 
Moore  William, 
Moore  James  H., 
Moore  Joseph  S., 
Morrow  James  Jr., 
Meyers  Lewis, 


Meyers  Henry, 
Meyers  George, 
Meyers  John  H., 
Meyers  John, 
Meyers  Valentine, 
McCan  James  B., 
McDonald  Marshall,  farmer. 
McDonald  W.  W.,  do 

McDonald  John  T.,  d» 
McFarlin  Andrew,  4ff 
McK.ee  Samuel,  4.0 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


116 


BANDOLPH   COUNTY    D1RJL.CTOKY. 


TOWNSHIP  6  8.,  RANGE  6  W.— HARMON  SETTLEMENT. 


McLaughlin  Robert,  farmer. 
McMannis  William,        do 
McMannis  Joseph,         do 
McNulty  Joseph  ,M.,       do 
McNabuey  J:imes,  do 

McNabney  Robert,  <i<> 


N 
0 


EFF  GEORGE,  farmer. 
Neemeyer  August,  farmer. 


LIVER  ADAM,  farmer. 


pECKET  WILLIAM,  farmer. 


REIMER  PETER,  farmer. 
Rinkle  Henry,         do 
Rotrock  D.  S.,  do 

Runger  Jergins,  do 

Ray  M.  R.,  do 


SIMMONS  DAVID  M.,  farmer. 
Shack  Peter,  do 

Bhernback  Henry,  do 

Bonnenberg  William,  do 


Steruback  Lewis,  farmer. 

Sternback  Henry,  do 

Stcrnbaek  Frederick,  do 

Sternback  William,  do 

Snaker  Henry,  do 

Snider  William,  do 


mAGGART  JOHN,  Sr.,  farmer. 
A    Taggart  John,  Jr.,         do 
Taggart  John  L.,  farmer. 
Taggart  David.  do 

Taggart  Amos,  Sr.,     do 
Taggart  Amos.  Jr.,     do 
Thils  Frederick,  blacksmith. 
Teitze  Frederick,  farmer. 


V 


INYARD     WILLIAM, 
gate  keeper. 


toll 


WELSHANS  LEWIS,  farmer. 
Westernian  Henry,     do 
Were  Charles,  farmer. 
Wilson  James  C,    do 
Wilson  Hugh  M.,  do 
Wilson  Alexander  M.,  farmer. 
Were  John,  farmer. 
Were  Frederick,  farmer. 
Weiding  Henry,       do 
Wheitbush  Henry,  farmer. 
Wilson  John,  do 


RANDOLPH. 


About  the  year  1842,  Mr.  Capman,  late  of  Kandolph 
County,  laid  off  and  attempted  to  fan  the  breath  of  life 
into  a  place  on  the  old  Sparta  road,  seven  miles  from 
Chester.  But  the  sequel  shows  the  progress  was  slow. 
In  1855  thero  was  nothing  to  be  seen  of  the  town  ex- 
cept the  small  grocery  establishment  of  John  Wood, 
and  a  few  farm  houses  in  the  vicinity.  The  Germans, 
however,  in  the  meantime,  had  settled  the  surrounding 
country,  which  they  were  cultivating  with  a  great  deal 
of  industry  and  prudence.  In  1856,  Mr.  Isaac  Lehn- 
herr  went  to  Kandolph  and  erected  a  building  in  which 
he  placed  a  stock  of  goods,  and  at  once  commenced 
doing  a  brisk  business.  A  post  office  was  established 
the  ensuing  winter,  which  was  called  Bremen. 

Mr.  Buckman  has  since  opened  a  store,  and  several 
workshops  are  in  operation  in  the  vicinity* 

About  the  year  1840,  the  Lutheran  Germans  built  a 
church  near  Randolph,  where  regular  service  has  been 
held  ever  since.  This  church  was  organized  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Dunsing,  who  still  continues  to  preach  for  the  con- 
gregation. Another  Lutheran  church  was  organized 
in  1849,  by  Rev.  M.  Eirich,  of  Chester.  There  are  now 
about  sixty  families  belonging  to  the  congregation  of 
this  church.  Rev.  Mr.  Teotmeyf.r  is  the  minister. 
19 


COULTERVILLE. 


Coulterville  is  situated  in  Grand  Cote  Prairie,  some 
eight  miles  northeast  of  Sparta.  The  beautiful  region 
which  the  town  now  occupies  was  in  a  state  of  nature, 
and  afforded  pasturage  for  the  wild  deer  of  the  prairie 
until  the  year  of  1822,  when  James  Coulter,  John  and 
Alexander  McKelvey,  James  Dickey,  Samuel  Boyd 
and  James  Strohan  came  and  located  in  the  immediate 
vicinity. 

Under  the  management  of  these  industrious  and  en- 
terprising farmers,  Grand  Cote  Prairie  began  a  rapid 
change  from  a  forest  of  waving  prairie  grass  to  a 
prosperous  rural  settlement.  These  improvements  con- 
tinued until  nearly  the  whole  of  this  fertile  region  has 
been  subdued  and  made  to  teem  with  the  productions 
of  civilization. 

In  1850^  James  Coulter  had  a  portion  of  his  land 
surveyed  into  town  lots,  which  he  offered  for  sale. 
The  beautiful  locality  of  the  proposed  town,  and  the 
fertility  of  the  surrounding  country  soon  attracted  at- 
tention. Two  years  afterwards,  the  place  commenced 
improving.  In  1852-3,  two  churches  were  erected,  and 
Henry  Taylor  commenced  the  mercantile  business  by 
opening  a  dry  goods  store. 

The  place  contains  at  the  present  time,  two  churches ; 


DIRECTORY.  219 

two  stores;  one  wagon  shop;  three  blacksmith  shops; 
one  merchant  mill ;  one  saw  mill;  one  shoe  shop;  one 
drugstore;  three  carpenter  shops ;  one  tin  shop;  one 
saddlery ;  two  hotels  ;  one  brick  yard ;  one  brick  school 
house,  and  two  physicians. 

It  is  a  remarkably  healthy  place.  During  the  last 
five  years  but  one  death  has  occurred  within  a  mile 
and  a  half  of  the  place. 


STEELESVILLE  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  6  SOUTH,  RANGE  5  WEST.— STEELESVILLE. 


A 


DAMS  TILFORD. 
Arnold  Elias,  i'armi 


I}ADGLEY  DAVID  S.,  fanner. 
3  Kerner  John  II.,  miller. 
Bcriirr  Joseph   W..  do 

Bernor  Frederick,  farmer. 
Barrsm  I  Robert. 
Ben.-on  Christopher,  farmer. 
1;  sgg< 'in;iu  Henry  Rr.,     do 
Bcggoman  Henry  Jr..     do 
Bcggemaii  An  -,i^t.  do 

B'ai  k  G<  i  :;:>'  F..  physmian. 
Blair  Jtmios  11  ,  I. inner. 
Blair  Kill  icrl  II.,      do 
Bowcrman  Michael,  farmer. 
Brown  Joseph,  do 

Brown  David,  do 

Brown  Isaac.  B.,  merchant. 
Brown  Preston,  do 

Brown  William  II..  farmer. 
Brown  Sanmcl  N.,  blacksmith. 
Brown  James  T.,  farmer. 
Brown  Alfred  A.,      do 
Brown  William,        do 
Brown  Michael,        do 
Blashear  William  W.,  farmer. 
Blackclsby  Thomas,         do 
Busher  Henry,  do 


CAMPBELL  WILLIAM  E.,  far- 
mer. 

Caetelltiw  Alfred,  farmer. 
Castellow  John  T.,  blacksmith. 
Cross  Francis,  farmer. 


DEPPE  II.  S.  Rev.,  farmer. 
Dennis  Charles  J.,   do 
Dennis  James,  do 

Deppe  Augustus,  do 

Doggol  Rev.,  fynncr  and  teacher. 
Dun  'an  Jacob,  do 


I  TUBERS  FREDERICK,  farmer. 
J  Edwards  Thomas  B.,     do 


FORSEE  NAPOLEON,  farmer. 
Forstc  Richard,  do 


GLAPFORP  REUBEN,  farmer. 
Gordon  George,  do 

Gordon  II.  S.,  Rev.,  do 

Green  Carter,  do 

Guymou  Thomas,  do 


"NGLAES  B.  F.,  carpenter. 


JERNIGAN  W.  R.,  farmer  and 
brick  maker. 
Jenkins  R.  H.,  hotel  keeper. 


KAMPEN   CnARLES,  farmer. 
Korn  Abraham,  d» 


DIRECTORY. 


213 


TOWNSHIP  6  SOUTH,  RANGE  5  WEST.— STEELESVILLB. 


Korn  Elijah.  farmer. 

Korn  Jacob,  do 

Korn  J oli  a,  do 

Kane  James,  do 

Kendall  x.dward,  wagon  maker. 


LEHNIIOFF  LEWIS,  farmer. 
Leh n burg   Christopher,     far- 
mer. 

Lively  Lewis,  farmer. 

Lively  Shadriek.  farmer. 

Lickess  Robert,  merchant. 

Lickcss  John,  farmer. 

Lofton    Eli.    fanner    and    school 
commissioner. 

Luhfsingcr  Henry,  shoemaker. 


M ALONE  JOHN  T...  farmer. 
Mabmc  James  M.,  merchant. 
Malone  J.  A..  do 

Mathews  John,  Rev. 
Math  is  Leonard,  farmer. 
Math  is  John,  do 

Marion  J. 

Martin  William  O.  farmer. 
Mossburg  Frederick,  do 
Missel  horn  William,  do 
Mi nter  Jacob,  do 

Morgan  J.  F.,  do 

Morgan  G.  S..  physician, 
Morris  Jam  's.  cabinet  maker. 
Morrison  John,  tanner. 
Morrison  Robert,  do 
Monteith  John  A.,  larmer. 
Mverholf  Henry,        do 


PAHLMAN    HENRY,   carpen- 
ter. 
Parker  Senaea,  merchant  miller. 
Perily  llen:y,  fanner. 


Robison  Daniel,  farmer. 
Rossindall  Frederick,  farmer. 
Rnhrodc  Frederick,  do 

Russell  Leonard,  do 

Ruizcde  Henry,  do 

Rihnheart  August,  cooper. 


SHAFER    DANIEL    H-,  brick- 
maker. 
Short  John  T.,  farmer. 
Short.  John  E.,      do 
Short  Thomas  E.,  larmer. 
Sliort  Richard  J.,      do 
S;  lit  ii  Lewis  M  ,        do 
Sowe.'by    A.    G.,   carpenter    and 

cabinet  maker. 
Soap  r  Robert,  farmer. 
Stevens  Wi'Iiam  II.,  farmer. 


Still  wan  ;h  Jacob. 
Stilhvangli  Albert, 
Sfcofc  :•  James  M., 
Ste  s!  •  Albert, 
Steele  Rilun, 
Steele  Thomas, 
Steele  James. 
S:.eelc  John  Sr., 
Stei  le  James  C, 
Ste  :le  Harvey, 
St.'  !,■  Jasper, 
Steele  Elvis, 
Steele  Thomas, 
Steele  M.  E-, 
Steele  Carroll, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


•.hewsborry  George  W.,  cooper. 
Staley  Jacob,  farmer. 


rilATUM  WILLIAM  B.,  farmer. 
JL    Tate  William,  do 

I  Thomson  George,  merchant. 
Thomas  John  W.,  farmer. 


R 


OBISON  WILLIAM,  farmer. 
Robison  Cyrus,  cooper. 


u 


HLES  JAMES  H.,  farmer. 


COULTERVILLE  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  4  SOUTH,  RANGE  5  WEST.— COULTERVILLE. 


ADDISON     WILLIAM,     capi- 
talist. 
Anderson  John,  Sr.,  farmer. 
Anderson  John,  Jr.,      do 
Atkin  John,  do 

Anderson  James  W.,    do 
Alston  Andrew,  do 

Alexander  William  R. 
Alexander  W.  S.,  farmer. 


B 


AIRD  ALEXANDER,  farmer. 
Becket  Garvin,   farmer. 


Beatte  Jacob  B., 

do 

Beatte  R.  S., 

do 

Boyd  Samuel  L., 

do 

Brown  Robert,  Sr., 

do 

Burns  John  S., 

do 

Burns  Stewart, 

do 

Burns  Archibald, 

do 

riATHCART  JOSE 
\J  Cathcart  Robert, 

PH,    farmer 

do 

Campbell  D.  C,  teacher. 

Carmichal  John,    farmer. 

Campbell  Alexander 

do 

Coulter  John  W., 

do 

Coulter  James,  Sr., 

do 

Coulter  James,  Jr., 

do 

Craig  William, 

do 

Craig  James, 

do 

Crawford  Henry, 

do 

Crawford  William  B., 

do 

Crawford  James, 

do 

Crawford  Benj.  C., 

do 

Crawford  Bryce. 

do 

Curtis  William  H.,  farmer. 
Curtis  S.  G.,  do 

Cunningham  Win.,      do 
Cuthbertson  Robert,    do 


DICKEY  J.  L.,  merchant. 
Dickey  W.  J.,  farmer. 
Dickey  Alexander,       do 
Dickey  John  A.,  do 

Jamison  Samuel  W.,  merchant. 
Dickson  J.  J.,  farmer. 
Duckworth  James,  farmer. 
Dunlap  Robert,  do 


EAST  JAMES,  farmer. 
EasdaleHugh,  do 
Edmiston  William,  Sr.,  farmer. 

Edmiston  William,  Jr.,  do 

Edmiston  A.  G.,  do 

Edmiston  Rufus,  do 

Edmiston  James  A.,  do 

Elliotte  R.  B.,  do 


FINLY  JOHN,  farmer. 
Foster  David  A.,  do 


GAULT  R.  II.,  farmer: 
Gault  James  C,  do 
Garvcr  Daniel,  do 

Garvin  George,  do 

Goring  Peter,  do 

^  ^don  Nathaniel,     do 


DIRECTORY. 


221 


TOWNSHIP  4  SOUTH,  RANGE  5   WEST.— COULTERVILLE. 


HAWLEY  SAMJEL,  farmer. 
Hays  Isaac  H.,  " 

Hair  John  B.,    farmer. 
Herrick  John,       do 
Hood  James,         do 
Hood  William,      do 
Hughes  John,  shoemaker. 


■AMISON  JOSEPH,  farmer. 
James  Rohert,  do 


KEYS  ROBERT,  farmer. 
Kirkpatrick  John  S.,  farmer. 
Kerr  John,  farmer. 
Kcan  Christopher,  farmer. 
Kennedy  Hugh,         do 
King  Alexander,        do 


LEMMON  ISAIAH  S.,  farmer. 
LiUle  Samuel,  farmer. 
Lynn  Charles  E.,        do 


MATTHEWS  R.,  farmer. 

Matthews  W.  J.,  do 

Miller  John  G.,  do 

Moore  Thos.  C,  do 

Moore  William  B.,  do 

Moore  Alexander,  Sr.,  lo 

Moore  Alexander,  Jr  do 

Morton  Andrew,  do 

Muir  Rohert,  do 

Murphy  John,  do 

Murphy  T.  G.,  do 

Munford  David,  do 

Munford  William,  -do 

McDill  James,  do 

McDill  Thomas,  do 

MeDill  John,  do 

McMillan  Matthew,  do 

McMillan  S.  W.,  do 

McMillan  Randell,  do 

McMurrav  James,  do 

*19 


Mclntyre  Daniel,      farmer. 
McLaughlin  John,         do 
McKelvey  James  W.,  do 
McKelvey  Charles,       do 
McKelvey  A.,  do 

McKelvey  Robt.  B.,      do 
McKelvey  T.  E.,  do 

McKelvey  J.  C,  do 

McKelvey  Sam'l  W.,     do 
McRill  0.  G.,  do 

McNeill  John,  blacksmith. 


PINKERTON  JOHN,  farmer. 
Pinkerton  Luther,         do 
Pinkerton  Benjamin,  student. 
Pinkerton  James  H. 


ROBERTSON  ROBERT,  farmer. 
Robertson  William,         do 
Rice  H.  H.,  Dr. 
Robison  John,  farmer. 
Russell  Alexander,  farmer. 


SELFRIDGE  JOHN,  farmer. 
Sinclair  John,  farmer. 
Sloan  John  J.,  blacksmith. 
Smith  Robert,  farmer. 
Smith  A.,  do 

Smith  Moore,         do 
Sproule  James,  wagonmaker. 
Strahan  Blair,  farmer. 
Stephenson  Robert,  farmer. 


rpAYLORIIENEY,  farmer. 
1    Taylor  W.  B.,  blacksmith. 
Thompson  J.  S.,  merchant. 
Thompson  W.  L.,  farmer. 
Thompson  A.  M.,     do 
Thompson  John  M.,  cooper. 


222 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY    DIRECTORY 


TOWNSIIir  4  SOUTH,  RANGE  5  WEST— COULTERVILL1. 


WATTERS  CHARLES,  farmer. 
Whitaker    W.    B.,     wagon- 
maker. 
White  William,  farmer. 
Wilson  James,  Sr.,  do 
Wilson  Peter  C,     do 
Wilson  David,        do 
Wisely  James  M.,  uo 


Woodside  Samuel,  Sr.,  farmer. 

Woodside  Samuel,  Jr.,  do 

Woodside  James,  do 

Woodside  John  J.,  do 

Wright  John,  do 

Wyley  James,  do 

Wyley  John,  do 


FLORENCE. 


This  place  is  situated  in  Township  6  South,  of  Range 
7  West,  some  three  miles  northeast  of  Kaskaskia,  and 
about  two  miles  from  the  Kaskaskia  river.  It  has  an 
elevated  situation,  and  surrounded  by  springs  of  pure 
water.  The  region  in  which  this  village  is  situated  has 
many  natural  advantages.  It  has  a  heavy  growth  of 
excellent  timber,  and  a  fertilo  soil,  adapted  to  the  culti- 
vation of  all  the  vegetables,  grains,  grasses  and  fruits 
peculiar  to  Southern  Illinois.  The  Kaskaskia  river 
which  is  now  navigated  by  small  steamers  during  the 
greater  portion  of  the  year,  servos  as  a  highway  for  the 
transportation  of  its  surplus  produce. 

In  1852,  George  ELLrs  purchased  a  portion  of  the 
old  Hunt  farm,  erected  a  house  and  opened  a  store.  A 
post  office  was  also  established,  and  Mr.  Ellis  appointed 
Postmaster.  During  the  same  year,  a  Union  Meeting 
House  was  erected,  and  a  school  house  having  boon 
previously  built,  the  place  began  to  assume  the  air  of 
a  village.  Mr.  EriLis  now  had  his  land  surve}red  into 
town  lots,  and  the  place  was  called  "  Ellis  Grove." 

In  1855  the  Baptists  erected  a  large  meeting  house. 
This  church  is  well  attended,  and  the  society  is  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  Rev.  W  R.  McClure  is  the 
present  pastor. 


2i4 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


Mr.  Ellis'  Store  being  destroyed  by  fire,  iu  1857,  he 
sold  his  property  in  the  place  and  removed  to  Urbana. 
Mr.  William  Crawford  now  removed  to  the  place  and 
took  charge  of  the  post  office,  and  opened  a  small  stock 
of  goods.  A  shoe  shop  was  soon  after  established,  a 
cooper  shop  has  6ince  been  built,  and  Messrs.  Buckman 
&  Peters  are  erecting  a  store  house  in  which  they  in- 
tend to  open  a  dry  goods  store  during  the  coming  fall. 
In  all  probability  a  brisk  trade  will  be  conducted  in 
Florence  at  no  distant  day. 


TOWNSHir  6  SOUTH,  RANGE  8  WEST.— FLORENCE. 


A  NDREWS  CHARLES,  farmer. 


BROWN  PETER,  farmer. 
Besson  Joseph,         do 
Ban sen  Clark,  do 

Brewer  John  W.,  do 

Burkhardt  John,  cooper. 
Brown  Pias,  farmer. 
Boyle  Wm.,        do 


CECIL  E.  S.,  farmer. 
Cecil  Piers  R.  D.,  farmer. 
Chencx  Mitchell,  (Che-nu)  far- 
mer. 
Chenoux  Joseph,  farmer. 


DAVIS  JOHN,  farmer. 
Deninger  George,  farmer. 
Derouse  Charles,  do 

Dcrouse  Louis  C,  do 

Derouse  Pierre  R.,  do 

Derouse  Joseph  J.,  do 

Derouse  Fmnris  J.,  do 


T^ISHER  JAMES  G.,  farmer. 
J?      Fisher    Archibald,     wagon- 
maker. 
Fisher  Henry,  farmer. 


GRADIE  AMOS. 
Glain  Elizabeth. 
Gentry  Jas.  C,  wagonmaker. 
Gerner    Andrew,     farmer    and 
cooper. 


HAMILTON     BRIDGET     W., 
farmer. 
Heckmann  F.  Gabriel,  carpenter 
Ileckmann  Fhillip,  farmer. 
Heckmann  Matthew,    do 
Hargus  Jos.  II.,  do 

Hargus  Hamilton,  do 


JONES  ARMESTEAD,  farmer. 
James  Griffith,  do 


DIRECTORY. 


225 


TOWNSHIP  6  SOUTH,  RANGE  8  WEST.— FLORENCE. 
TZALER  GEORGE,  farmer. 


MUDD  FELIX,  farmer. 
McGuire  William,  farmer. 


OPPERMAN  GRISPARD,  far- 
mer. 


PAVARD  ETIENNE. 
Penney  Joseph,  farmer. 
Phigley  William,  do 


T>OB] 


S 


Roots  George. 


NIDER  PHILLIP,  farmer. 


THOMSON  L.  R.,  farmer. 
Tilman  Charles,    do 


W 


ILL  JOSEPH,  farmer. 
Will  Daniel,       do 


LAFAYETTE: 


Is  situated  on  the  loft,  bank  of  the  Kaskaskia  river, 
about  ten  miles  above  Evansville.  It  was  laid  off  at  quite 
an  early  day,  although  there  was  not  much  business 
done  there  in  consequence  of  its  isolation,  until  a  recent 
day,  when  the  successful  navigation  of  the  stream  on 
which  it  stands,  linking  it  in  the  chain  of  communica- 
tion with  other  places,  rendered  it  an  important  ship- 
ping point. 

Large  quanties  of  grain  are  shipped  from  this  place 
and  conveyed  to  the  Mississippi  river,  there  to  be  trans- 
ported to  different  markets ;  find  a  large  share  of  the 
flour  manufactured  at  Red  Bud  is  shipped  from  this 
point. 

Also  a  considerable  is  done  here  in  the  lumber  busi- 
ness, and  something  in  the  dry  goods  line ;  a  store  of 
this  description  and  a  saw  mill  being  in  operation. 


PRESTON. 


James  Patterson  settled  upon  the  town  site  of  Pres- 
ton in  1804,  and  opened  a  farm.  In  1816,  Washington 
Stehiut  bought  the  farm,  and  lived  upon  it  until  1820, 


DIRECTORY.  227 

when  he  sold  it  to  John  Rankin,  who  shortly  after- 
wards sold  to  James  Pollock.  Mr.  Pollock  estab- 
lished a  tan  yard  in  1823,  and  for  several  years  carried 
on  an  extensive  business  in  that  line.  Samuel  B. 
Stranky  opened  a  store  in  1833.  Two  years  after- 
wards, Pollock  &  Bratney  opened  a  store — the  second 
one  in  the  place.  In  1836,  James  Pollock  laid  off  his 
land  into  town  lots,  from  which  -the  town  may  date  its 
existence. 

It  has  always  been  an  unobtrusive,  quiet  town,  fur- 
nishing such  accommodations  as  the  surrounding  coun- 
try demanded.  It  tai'isually  consisted  of  a  church, 
store,  post  office,  blacksmith  shop,  hotel,  and  a  physi- 
cian. 

Its  history  consists  chiefly  in  the  church.  Rev.  S. 
BROW4*»f  Kentucky,  visited  the  Irish  Settlement  about 
the  yea*  1810,  and  organized  the  congregation.  Some 
time  afterwai'ds,  Rev.  S.  Crothers  visited  the  congrega- 
tion and  preached  a  short  time.  But  the  church  could 
claim  no  more  than  a  nominal  existence  until  the  year 
1818,  when  Rev.  Samuel  Wylie  was  regularly  installed 
pastor  of  the  church.  "When  his  services  were  secured 
a  church  building  was  erected,  probably  the  first  Prot- 
estant church  in  Illinois.  It  was  built  of  logs,  in  the 
usual  style  of  all  houses  in  those  days.  The  house  was 
erected  and  finished  for  use  in  two  days.  Rev.  Samuel 
Wylie  was  succeeded  in  the  ministerial  charge  of  this 
congregation  by  Rev.  Alexander  Porter,  he  by  Rev. 
S.  P.  McGraw.  In  1826  Rev  John  Reynolds  took 
charge  of  the  congregation,  and  continued  in, that  station 
until  1829.  In  1831  Rev.  S.  C.  Baldridge  succeeded 
to  the  charge,  and  remained  five  years.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  James  McAuley,  in  1840,  the  congrega- 
tion having  been  without  a  pastor  during  an  interval 


228 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


of  four  years.  The  large  church  edifice  was  erected  in 
1842.  Rev.  M.  M.  Brown  became  pastor  of  the  church 
in  1849,  and  remained  until  1854.  The  year  following 
Rev.  James  W.  Glenn  took  charge  of  the  congregation, 
and  he  is  yet  the  pastor. 

This  is  the  mother  of  Associate  Reformed  Churches 
in  Illinois. 

Union  Church,  located  three  miles  south  of  Sparta, 
was  a  branch  of  the  Preston  Church.  Rev.  John  Rey- 
nolds and  Alexander  Porter,  from  1826,  occasion- 
ally preached  in  a  school  house  in  the  neighborhood. 
Rev.  S.  C.  Baldridqe  was  chosen  pastor  in  1830,  and 
organized  the  church.  The  year  after,  the  brick  church 
now  standing,  was  erected.  Arthur  Parks,  Maxwell 
McCormack,  and  William  McKee,  were  the  first 
Ruling  Elders.  In  later  years  this  church  has  keen  sup- 
plied with  preaching  by  the  minister  of  the  Sparta 
church. 


TOWNSHIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  7  WEST.— PRESTON. 


ANDERSON    JAMES    W,    far- 
mer. 
Ahuhizer  John,  farmer. 
Alexander  John,     do 


BARNETT  CORYDON,  farmer. 
Beatte  Robert  T.,  do 

Berthall  Daniel,  do 

Been  James   A.,  surveyor. 
Been  E.  M.,  farmer. 
Beatte  Charles,  farmer. 
Blam  John,  do 

Bratney  J.  B.,  merchant  and  jus- 
tice of  the  peace. 
Bratney  R.  N.,  farmer. 
Bratney  J.  C.  teacher. 


CARR  A  BNER,  farmer. 
Campbell  James  C,  farmer. 
Campbell  James,  do 

Campbell  John  C..  do 

Canck  James  B.,  do 

Cochran  M.  E.,  do 

Crozier  A.  II.,  do 


DASHNER  PETER,  farmer. 
Detinhifer  Henry,     do 
Douglas  John,  do 

Douglas  S.  B.,  do 


"TIAYETT  FRANCIS,  farmer. 


lllRKOrnllV 


2W 


JOHN  B.  BRATNEY 

Would  r»sj).;<;tt'ully   call  attention  to  his  well  asHorted 
Stock  of 


Which   he  proposes  to  sell  on  terms  that  will  induce 
tho  people  of 

To    purchase  ol'  him.     In  his   Store  will  be  found  an 
assortment  of 


Suited  especiall}'  to  tho  wants  of  his  customers.     All 
kinds  of 


SUGAR,  COFFEE,   MOLASSES,  TEA, 

MACKEREL, 
rioe,  x*e:jf»i»esh,  spices, 

TOBACCO,  &C-, 

Constantly  on  hand.     Every  article   usually  wanted  in 
the  community,  will  be  found  in  his  Store. 

All  kinds  of  Merchantable  Produce  wanted  in  ex- 
change for  goods. 

Preston,  ill. 

20 


2i](J 


RANDOLPH   COUN'l  V 


TOWNSHIP  5  SOUTH,  RANGE  7   WEST.— PRESTON. 


GREER  HEMP  A.,  fanner. 
Glenn  James  W.,  Rev. 
Glasgow  John,  farmer. 
Greer  Jefferson,    do 
Gray  William,  •  do 
James  Gray,  do 

Gucher  Frederick,  farmer. 
Glessner  Lawrence,    do 


TJACKET  GEORGE  W. 

farmer 

JX  Haynes  William 

L.. 

do 

Hommil  Jacob, 

do 

Hommil  Nicholas, 

do 

Henderson  M.  M., 

do 

Hinchback  Godfrey, 

do 

Hill  Samuel, 

do 

Hogg  Archibald, 

do 

Haly  William, 

do 

JOHNS  ROBERT. 

KARR  RICHARD,  former. 
Kemper  Christian,  do 
Kelly  James,  do 

Kinsler  Jacob,  do 

Kook  Phillip,  do 


LOUGHAR'T  JOHN,  farmer. 
Long  Henry.  do 


MANN  JAMES,  farmer. 
Mann  Robert  C.  farmer. 
Mann  W.  M.,  do 

Mann  C.  P.,  do 

Mann  L.  A.,  do 

Mann  R.  H„  do 

Mann  William  C.  blacksmith 
Mann  R.  C,  farmer. 
Miller  8.  B..      do 


Miller  Jo.-iab,  farmer. 

Morrow  James  F.,  fanner. 
McAuly  D.  T.,  Rev.,  do 
McCormack  George,  do 
MeCormack  A.  A.,      do 
McCormack  James  C,  farmer. 
McCoard  William,  do 

McCarty  John  H.,  do 

McDonald  Thomas,  do 


VTIFONG  FRANCIS,  fan 


/yjERLY 


MARTIN,  farmer. 


POLLOCK  T.  C,  farmer. 
Pollock  James,  farmer. 
Pollock  W.  W.,  do 

Patterson  James, 
Prebley  Robert,  do 

Pritty  Jacob,  do 


RATLIFF  .10HN,  farmer. 
Ratliff  John.  Jr.,  do 
Ratliff  Daniel,  do 

Ray  Adam,  do 

Regnault  William.        do 
Rath  Leonard.  d<> 


SHAPPELL    NICHOLAS,    far- 
mer. 
Shuline  John,  farmer. 
Smith  Theresa,    do 
Stolle  Gustavo,     do 
Stevenson  William,  farmer. 
Spurgeon  Lewis.  do 

Stanly  George,  do 

Skinner  John.  do 


IMKKCToKY. 


231 


TOWNSHIP  S  SOUTH,  RANCH  7   WEST.— TRESTON. 


THOMPSON    JAMES    B..    far- 
racr. 
Thompson  John  B..  farmer. 
Thompson  Adam  H.,    do 
Thompson  William,      do 
Thompson  Archibald  C.  farmer. 
Thompson  John  C,  do 

Thompson  John  R..  do 

Thompson  James,  do 

Thompson  A.  J..  do 

Thompson  Robert  M..  do 


WUNDERLEY    MARTIN,  far- 
mer. 
Wilson  Ed.  H.,  farmer. 
Wettenbrink  Maxwell,  farmer. 
Wyley  John,  do 

Wiley  Joseph,  do 

Wiley  Samuel,  do 

Wright  Isaac  Jr.,  do 

Wright  John  K.,  do 

Williamson  J.  K...  do 

Wright  A.  C  do 


TOWNSHir   t  SOUTH,  RANGE  7  WEST.— BURNETT'8. 


ADAMS  SAMUEL  B.,  farmer. 
Allen  Andrew,  do 

Allen  William,  do 


B ESSEN  GEORGE,  farmer. 

Bilyeri  Michael,  do 

Bern  William,  do 

Bern  James  A.,  do 

Black  Thomaa,  do 

Barbeck  Thomas,  do 

Boak  Godlip,  do 

Bowers  Aaron,  do 

Boyd  John  II.,  do 

Boyd  John  V.,  do 

Boyle  Thomas.  do 

Boyle  John,  do 

Bean  Reuben.  do 

Burghans  Edwin.  do 

Burnett  Alexander.  do 

Burnett  Andrew.  do 


OAMPBKLL  THOMAS,  farmer. 
Cox  Absalom.  do 

Cox  William.  do 

Cox  Jose j> h  M.,  do 


Cowan  Ja-aaes, 
Cowan  John  J. 


farmer, 
do 


DANNUSE  LEWIS,  farmer. 
Douglas  A.  T.,  do 

Doaly  John,  do 


EWING  CHARLES,  farmer. 
Ewing  William  J., 


H 


AYS  GEORGE,  farmer. 
Hents  Christian,  do 


Henderson  M.  Cr. 
HillW.  M., 
Hill  John, 
Harden  Frederick, 
Hay  Bartholomew, 
Hoppe  Michael  A., 
Hulcher  William. 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


K 


ELLER  ANDREW,  farmer 


232 


Randolph  county  directory. 


TOWNSHIP  4  SOUTH,  RANGE  7  WEST.— BUM  HTT'9. 


LEMING  JOSEPH  E.,  farmer. 
Leming  Thomas,  do 

Lorning  Hamilton.  do 

Liddy  Timothy,  do 

Lawson  David.  do 

Lyons  Joseph,  do 


MABE  LARKIN,  farmer. 
Mathews  Robert,  do 
Marvin  William  0.,  do 
Marvin  Joseph  M.,  do 
Montgomery  Joseph,  do 
Mudd  William,  do 

McMurdo  Thomas,      do 
Mulherrn  Luke,  do 

McAuley  James,  do 

McAuley  George  W.,  farmer. 
McDonald  James  II.,      do 
McCormack  James  C.     do* 


NELSON  WILLIAM  R..  farmer. 
Nelson  George  W.,         do 
Nelson  Robert  L.,  do 

Nelson  John  A.,  do 

Newel  James,  do 


PRESTON  ROBERT  H.,  farmer 
and  justice  of  the  peace. 
Preston  David  C.,  farmer. 
Preston  William  B.,  do 


R 


HULE  FREDERICK,  farmer. 
Rhule  Jared,  d» 


0 


'HARRA  HENRY,  farmer. 


SCUDDER  ISAAC  Jr.,  farmer. 

Scudder  Henry,  do 

Shanback  Ernest,  do 

Snodgrass  John  M.,  do 

Spitz  Conrad,  do 

Stockwell  John,  do 

Stively  Voluntine,  do 


TAYLOR   CHARLES    W.,    far- 
mer. 
Thompson  Archie,  farmer. 
Thompson  A.  W.,         do 
Thompson  Daniel  C,  do 
Thompson  James,        do 
Thompson  Robert,        do 
Telbert  Wesly,  do 


WEIDLING    WILLIAM,    far- 
mer. 
Wilson  Absalom,  farmer. 
Wilson. 


SHILOH    HILL 


About  the  years  1851-2,  Mr  Durkee  began  selling 
goods  at  Gillespie's  Prairie,  which  he  continued  until  ho 
was  succeeded  by  S.  P.  Mace,  in  1856.  Mace  conducted 
the  business  until  1858,  when  he  discontinued,  and  Mr. 
James  Picket  opened  a  store,  and  is  now  merchandizing 
in  that  neighborhood.  In  the  autumn  of  the  year 
1856,  there  was  a  sale  of  lots  which  had  been  previ- 
ously laid  off,  and  which  belonged  to  the  eighty  acre 
tract  ceded  by  the  Legislature  of  Illinois  to  the  people 
of  this  neighborhood,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a 
College,  to  be  entitled  "  Shiloh  College,"  a  charter  for 
the  College  being  given  at  the  same  time. 

A  good  school  has  been  supported  for  a  number  of 
years  at  this  place,  although  as  yet  they  have  no  build- 
ing fitted  for  conducting  a  school  of  high  grade ;  yet, 
as  the  country  is  improving  rapidly,  and  gaining 
strength  with  age,  and  the  inhabitants  in  general  being 
of  industrious  habits  and  literary  turn  of  mind,  we 
may  safely  predict  that  ere  long  a  Seminary  of  high 
character  will  be  in  successful  operation. 

The  progress  of  the  times  will  also  demand  that  a 
town  of  more  or  less  importance  shall  arise,  that  the 
people  may  dispose  of  their  marketing,  and  obtain  their 
purchases  without  the  inconvenience  of  traveling  to  a 
distant  place. 
*20 


SHILOH  HILL  DIRECTORY. 


TOWNSHIP  7  SOUTH,  RANGE  5  WEST.— SHILOH  HILL. 


BARROW  NEWTON,  farmer 

Bildcrback  James  F.,  do 

Bilderback  William  H..  do 

Broughton  Abel,  do 

Burke  T.  0.,  do 

Burke  J.  K.,  do 

Burke  John  B„  do 

Burke  E.  B.,  do 

Butler  Leamau.  do 


CARUTHERS  JOHN.  Dr. 
Cannady  Emauuel,  farmer. 
Carson  David,  do 

Chapman  Jeremiah,  do 

Clark  John,  do 

Clifford  Cunningham.         do 
Crisler  Owen  F.,  do 

Crisler  William,  do 


D 


ENNI8  JOHN  W.,  farmer. 
Dennis  R.  F.,  do 


EMERY     STEVEN,     wagon- 
maker. 
Emery  Henry,  farmer. 
Emery  John,        do 
Emery  Robert,  blacksmith. 
Erchelmann  Henrv,  farmer. 


F 


RAY  MOSES,  farmer. 


GILESPIE  JAMES,  farmer. 

Glorc  Jeptha,  do 

Greer  John  R.,  do 

Grcenawault  Joseph,  do 

Gray  William,  do 

Gray  Jasper,  do 

Gray  William  B.,  do 

Gwin  James,  do 

Gwiii  William  C,  do 


TJALWORTH  PAUL,  farmei 


XI  Hagler  John, 
Hartman  Henry. 
Haney  Hiram, 
Haney  Daniel, 
Haney  Douglas, 
Helmns  Henrv. 
Hobbs  R.  S., 
Houseman  J.  M., 
Hornbustle  John  H. 
Husband  Harmon. 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


IRELAND    Martin,    Justice    of 
the  Peace. 
Ireland  A.  T.,  blacksmith, 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY    DlRKCTOttV. 


235 


TOWNSHIP  7   SOUTH.   RANGE  6   WEST.-  SHILOH  HILL. 


.1 


►JKS  JOHN  0.,  fanner. 

.ohnson  Isaac  R.,  do 
■  i.  .son  William  L.,  do 
'■•Iwson  John  C,  do 


K 


BLLY  THOMAS. 
Knope  John  P., 
ope  Henry  P., 


farmer, 
do 
do 


ASTER  WILLIAM, 
r. 
iilti-rg  Clement,  farmer. 


far- 


i.  . 

Lnwo-v  'lu^h, 

I-  ■  '  'e'.nU  Hugh. 


do 
do 


y 

}.  ■ 
i 

J.  :. 

}■'■  I 

f  I. 

f 

Mi-N 


•.  S.  P.,  merchant. 

■a  ore.  Francis,  farmer. 

in  John  S.,  do 

iiKey  Robert,         do 

mghlin  James,  Sr.,  farmer. 
mghlin  James,  Jr.,      do 
vughlin  H.  II.,  do 

aughltn  John  W..         do 
cill   Robert,  do 

cill  Harvey,  do 


N 


EELY  JOHN,  farmer. 
Neal  Thomas  F.,  farmer. 


1>ARKIIILL  JOHN,  farmer. 
J       Peters  F.  C,  do 

Vi  'cr  John,  do 


Pillars  Andrew  J., 
Fierson  William, 


farmer, 
do 


11 


EED  WILLIAM  W.,  farmer 
Rickenberg  Dclrick,     do 


SA88E  ADOLFH,  farmer. 
Sheldan  R,  do 

Short  William  A.,  farmer  and  car- 
penter. 
Shaffer  John  H.,  farmor. 
Simmons  George,     do 
Steele  Wilson, 


Steele  Alfred, 
Steele  John  T., 
Steele  Andrew, 
Steele  John  M., 
Stone  Joseph, 
Stone  John, 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


11H0MPS0N     ANDREW,    for- 
mer. 
Tudar  Thomas,  farmer. 


VOWEL  WYLIE,  farmer. 
Vowel  Jason,  do 


W 


ALDER  CONRAD,  farmer. 
Welga  Henry,  do 


CAMPTOWN. 


On  the  completion  of  the  Randolph  County  Plank 
Road  in  1854,  a  toll  gate  was  established  about  two 
miles  from  Chester.  The  next  year  Mr.  G.  S.  Rust 
being  appointed  gate  keeper,  erected  a  building  and 
commenced  selling  goods.  Mr.  Rust  soon  after  pur- 
chased a  fractional  part  of  Mr.  Smith's  farm  which  was 
cut  off  by  the  Plank  Road,  which  he  has  recently  laid 
off  into  lots  and  sold  to  private  bidders. 

A  hotel  was  built  by  Mr.  G.  S.  Rust  in  the  spring  of 
1858.  A  workshop  was  also  built  by  Rust  &  Farly 
for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  and  repairing  farm- 
er's implements. 

During  the  past  season  Mr.  Alexander  Lockead  and 
Mr.  H.  A.  Crawford  have  erected  for  themselves  neat 
and  substantial  dwelling  houses.  Some  other  dwellings 
are  in  contemplation. 


TOWNSHIP  TREASURERS. 


Town.  4  S.,  E.  5  W.,    David    Munford,  Treasurer. 
John  Median,  " 

Marshal  W.  Doggett,  " 
Harmon  Husband,  " 
Samuel  Clendenin,  •• 
William  Rutherford,  * 
James  Parks,  Acting  " 
Edward  Campbell,  " 
Isaac  Rust,  u 

Samuel  Manskor,  " 

Francis  Boyle,  " 

John  B.  Brantney,  " 
Wiley  Roberts,  " 

R.  B.  Servant,  " 

J.  R.  Allen,  u 

II.  P.  Simpson, 
Charles  Tilman,  " 

Never  was  organized. 
William  Henry, 
The  greater  part  of  this  Town- 
ship is  in  Monroo  county,  and  the  Treasurer,  O.  M. 
Matingly,  resides  in  Monroe  county  ;  his  post  offico 
address  I  have  not  learned.  Mr.  Bricky,  of  Prairie  du 
Roeher,  has  transacted  business  for  him. 


5 

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tt 

5 

6 

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tt 

5 

7 

<< 

tt 

5 

8 

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tt 

5 

4 

tt 

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6 

5 

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a 

6 

G 

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a 

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7 

u 

a 

6 

8 

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6 

4 

a 

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7 

5 

(i 

it 

7 

6 

tt 

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7 

7 

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it 

7 

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10 

COURT    DIRECTORY. 


COURT  OF  COMMON  PLEAS— Org amizeh  17U5. 


Names  of  Judges. 


John  Edgar, 
William  Morrison, 
Pierre  Menard, 
Robert  McMahon, 
George  Fisher, 
John  Beard, 


Eobert  Reynolds, 
Nathaniel  Hull, 
Antoine  Louvier, 
John  Grovenier, 
James  Finney, 
Samuel  Cochran. 


This  Court  was  superseded  in  1809  by  the  County 
Court,  composed  of  Justices  of  the  Peace,  three  of 
whom  were  necessary  to  constitute  a  quorum. 

Justices'  Names. 


Phillip  Fouke, 
Henry  Levens, 
William  Arundel, 
Samuel  O'Melveny, 
John  McFerrcn, 
Paul  Harrelston, 


David  Anderson, 
Archibald  Thompson, 
John  Phelps, 
Alexander  Wilson, 
Robert  Gaston. 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY    DIKKCTORY.  239 

The  County  Court  was  superceded  by  the 

COURT  OF  COMMON  PLEAS  IN    lsll. 


Names  of  Judges. 


John  McKerren, 
William  Morrison, 
.  James  Finney, 
David  Anderson, 
Phillip  Fouke, 


George  Fisher, 
Archibald  Thompson, 
Antoino  L.  Chenett, 
Miles  LTotchkiss, 
Pierre  LaCampte. 


THE  COUNTY  COMMISSIONERS'  COURT— Established  in  1819. 
Nanus  of  Commissioners. 

1811). — Curtis  Conn,  David  Anderson,  James  Patter- 
son. 

1820. — David  Anderson,  James  Thompson,  Miles 
Hotehkiss. 

1822. — Gabriel  Jones,  Francois  Menard,  John  Miller. 

1824. — Arthur  Parks,  Josiah  Betts,  Franklin  P. 
Owen. 

1825. — Arthur  Parks,  Josiah  Betts,  John  C.  Crozier. 

1820.^Arthur  Parks,  R.  H.  Fleming,  Pierre  R.  De- 
rouse. 

1827. — R.  H.  Fleming,  Pierre  R.  Derouse,  James  S. 
Guthrie. 

1828.— James  S.  Guthrie,  Thomas  Roberts,  Felix  St. 
Vrain. 

1830.— Thomas  Roberts,  William  G.  Hizer,  John 
Thompson. 

1832.— Thomas  Roberts,  William  G.  Hizer,  John  G. 
Nelson. 


240  RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

1834. — Jobu  G.  Nelson,  James  Gillespie,  James  S. 
Guthrie. 

1835. — John  G.  Nolson,  James  Gillespie,  Robert 
Clark. 

1336. — James  O'Harra,  Gabriel  Jones,  WiUiam  G. 
Hizor. 

1838. — William  G.  Hizer,  Samuel  Douglas,  Harvey 
Clendcnin. 

1839. — William  G.  Hizer,  Harvey  Clendcnin,  Lawson 
Murphy. 

1841. — Harvey  Clendenin,  Lawson  Murphy,  Henry 
O'Harra. 

1842. — Harvey  Clendenin,  Henry  O'Hara,  John 
Mann. 

1844. — John  Mann,  Edward  Campbell,  ffm.  McBride. 

The  Record  from  1844  to  1848  was  destroyed  by 
fire. 

Under  the  existing  Constitution  of  Illinois,  which 
went  into  operation  in  1848,  the  County  Court  super- 
seded the  County  Commissioners'  Court. 

1849. — John  Campbell,  County  Judge. 

Reuben  Bailey,  Associate  Justice. 
John  Brewer,  "  " 

18."<ii. —  William  P.  Uaskiu,  County  Judge. 
James  Gillespie,  Associate  Justice. 
Samuel  B.  Adams,      "  " 

1854. — A  vacancy  occurring  in  1854  by  the  death  of 
Judge  HasUin,  Richard  B.  Servant  \v:is  elected  for  the 
remainder  of  the  term. 

1857. — John  Campbell,  County  Judge. 

James  Gillespie,  Associate  Justice. 
William  Mudd,  "  " 


DIRECTORY.  241 

COURT  OF  QUARTER  SESSIONS. 

Thin  Court  was  composed  of  Justices  of  the  Peace, 
and  held  its  sessions  once  in  three  months — hence  the 
name  of  "  Quarter  Sessions." 


(GENERAL   COURT. 


Upon  the  organization  of  Illinois  Territory,  in  1809 
a  higher  Court,  called  the  General  Court,  -was  estab- 
lished.   The  following  named  gentlemen  appear  to  have 
acted  as  Judges  of  this  Court,  viz  : 


Jesse  B.  Thomas, 
Obadiah  Jones, 
Alexander  Stuart, 
Stanley  Griswold, 


William  Sprigg, 
John  Reynolds, 
Daniel  P.  Cook, 
John  Warnock. 


SUPREME  COURT. 


The  Supreme  Court  of  Illinois  held  its  first  Session  in 
Kaskaskia,  in  1819.  Upon  the  records  pertaining  to 
Randolph  County,  the  following  named  gentlemen  ap- 
pear  to  have  acted  as  Judges,  viz  : 


Joseph  Phillips, 
Richard  M.  Young, 
Thomas  Reynolds, 
John  Reynolds, 


Theophilus  W.  Smith, 
Samuel  D.  Lockwood, 
Thomas  C.  Browne. 


CIRCUIT   COURT. 

The  judiciary  of  Illinois  was  remodeled  and  reor- 
ganized in  1835,  at  which  time  the  Circuit  Court  was 
established. 
'21 


242 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


Names  of  Judges. 

1835.— Sidney  Lreese,  ,  1849—  W.  H.  Underwood, 

1843. — James  Shields,  ,   1855. — Sidney  Breese, 

1845.— Gustavus  Koerner,    '  1858.— H.K.S.  O'Melvcny 


PROBATE  COURT. 

This  Court  was  established  under  the  Constitution  oi 
1818.     Curtis  Conn  was  appointed  Probate  Judge,  and 

held  the  office  ten  years.     He  was  succeeded  by 

Hunt,  who  remained  in  office  but  a  short  time ;  and  he 
was  succeeded  by  James  Thompson,  who  held  the  office 
seventeen  years  in  succession — until  the  adoption  of 
the  new  Constitution  in  1848,  since  which  time  the 
County  Judge  has  been  ex-officio  Judge  of  the  Probat-; 
Court. 


SHERIFFS  OF  RANDOLPH  COUNTY. 

1801. — James  Edgar, 

1838.— John  Campbell, 

1803.— George  Fisher, 

1848.— John  A.  Wilson, 

1805. — James  Gilbreath, 

1850.— Jno.  P.  Thompson. 

1806. — Benjamin  Stevens, 

1852.— Sevenain  St.  Vrain, 

1814.— Henry  Conner, 

1854. — John  Campbell, 

1821.— Samuel  C.  Cristy, 

1856.— Sevenain  St.  Vrain, 

1823.— T.  J.  V.  Owens, 

1858.— Anthony  Steele. 

1828. — Ignatius  Sprigg, 

CL1BK8  OF  THE  GENERA 

lL  and  circuit  courts. 

W.  C.  Greenup, 

John  M.  Langlois, 

James.  Hughs, 

Charles  Kane, 

William  Gutherie, 

E.  Leavenworth., 

James  Quia, 

James  M  Balls. 

DIRECTOR*.  243 

CLERKS  OF  THE  COMMON  PLEAS  AND  COUNTY   COURT. 


1795. — Robert  Morrison, 
1809.— Wm.  C.  Greenup, 
1827.— Miles  A.  Hotchkiss, 
1832.— James  Hughs, 
1838,— A.  J.  Dickison, 


1841.— R  Maxwell, 
1845.— John  W.  GOlis, 
1851. — James  M.  Cole, 
1853. — Isaac  H.  Nelson. 


COUNTY  SURVEYORS. 


James  Thompson, 
Samuel  G.  Thompson, 
Ferdinand  Humphreys, 
Ezekiel  "W.  Robbing. 


James  B.  Parks, 
James  Thompson, 
Joseph  Noel. 


MEMBERS  OF  THE  RANDOLPH  COUNTY  BAR. 


Thomas  G.  Allen, 
Francis  B.  Anderson, 
James  C.  Holbrook, 
E.  G.  Hallowell, 


John  Michan, 
W.  P.  Murphy, 
Thomas  S.  Morrison 
James  H.  "Watt. 


COUNTY  OFFICER8. 

John  Campbell,  County  Judge. 

James  Gillespie,  Associate  Justice. 

William  Mudd,  "  " 

Isaac  H.  Nelson,  Clerk  County  Court. 

James  M.  Ralls,  Clerk  Circuit  Court,  and  Recorder 

Joseph  Noel,  Surveyor. 

James  Thompson,  Deputy  Surveyor. 

Hugh  B.  Nisbet,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

ElfLofton,  School  Commissioner. 


244 


RANDOLPH    COUNTY 


Kaskaskia  Pr'ct. 


Chester  Precinct. 


Liberty  Precinct. 


Mill  Creek. 


Georgct'n  Prec't. 


Sparta  Precinct. 


Burnett's  Prec't 


Union  Precinct. 


PRECINCT   OFFICERS. 

r  John  Stype,  Justice  of  I  he  Peace 
J  Louis.  Dcrotise,    "        l<  H 

1  Edward  Boochcrie,  Constable. 
[  James  Hunt.  Constable. 

Felix  Hughs,  Justice  of  tho  Peace. 
Leonard  Crisler,  u        "  u 

H.M.Crawford,  "         " 
Amos  Taggart,  Constable. 
Amos  Ditty,  " 

John  Harmon,  Jr.,    " 

Alex.  Barber,  Justice  ofthe  Peace. 
B.  J.  Ward,  "        "  " 

W.  B.  Jernigan,  Constable. 

S.  P.  Mace,  Justico  of  the  Peace. 
Martin  Ireland,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 
Isaac  R.  Johnson,  Constable. 
Elijah  Stokes,  " 

A.   G.  Sowcrby,   Justice  of  the 

Peace. 
Mathias  R.   Ray,  Justice  of  the 

Peace. 
Cyrus  E.  Robbison,  Constable. 
John  T.  Steele,  " 

{John  Taylor,  Justice  of  the  Poace. 
W.  R.  Brown,      rt  "  " 

Hugh  C.  Gault,  Constable. 
Andrew  "Wilson,        " 

f  R.  H.  Preston,  Justice  ofthe  Peace.  . 
J  J.  J.  Borders,         "  "  « 

j  William  North,  Constable. 
(  James  McMillan,      do 

(  John  R.  Adams,  Justice  ofthe  Peace. 
J  Nathaniel  Smith,      «  "  " 

1  John  F.  Outcn,  Constable. 
{  Charles  G.  Gore,         " 


DIRECTORY. 


245 


PRECINCT  OFFICERS— Comtinukd. 

«      j     t>    r      f  Wm.  Henry,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 
Pra.  du  Mocker.  |  Jolm  Brow^        „        « 

(  J.  A.  Douglas,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

r*  -ii    »  .  /  )  J-  B.  Bratney,      "        "  " 

EvansvillePrct-l  John  M  Thompson,  Constable. 

[A.  C.  Wright,  Constable. 

("  R  B.  Servant,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 
m.        -rLu  1  Gabriel  Jones,  Justice  of  the  Peace 

Chester  City <  Thomas  H.  Callaway,  Constable. 

I  John  C.  McQuiston,  " 


2-H)  RANDOLPH    COUNTY    DIRECTORY. 

Illinois  mutual 
FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

INCORPORATED  IN  1839. 
PRINCIPAL  OFFICE  AT  ALTON,  ILL. 

O-AJPIT.A.X*,    ©1,000,000. 

4  » •  >  > 

Stores  and  Merchandise,  Dwelling  Houses  and  Furniture;  Barns 
and  Hay  and  Grain  :  First  Class  Mills,  Shops,  and  other  Buildings, 
with  their  contents,  insured  against 

LOSS  OR  DAMAGE  BY  FIRE.  . 

This  Company  has  now  beem  in  existence  over  twenty  years ; — 
does  not  issue  Policies  out  of  this  State ; — has  paid  nearly  Half  a 
Million  Dollars  for  Losses  ; — has  furnished  Insurance  to  its  members 
for  less  than  two-thirds  the  price  charged  by  the  best  Stock  Com- 
panies. It  has  the  largest  and  best  secured  Capital  of  any  Insur- 
ance Company  in  the  West 

Arrangements  have  now  been  completed,  which  enables  the  Di- 
rectors to  pay  all  Losses  within  ninety  days!  Merchants  can  now 
have  their  Stocks  insured  in  the  Illinois  Mutual,  and  in  case  of 
loss,  actually  get  their  money  as  soon  as  is  promised  by  any  other 
Company. 

To  the  Farmer  and  the  Mechanic,  this  Company  has  become  a 
State  Benevolent  Association,  in  which,  at  a  moderate  cost,  their 
Homes  and  Shops  may  be  insured  against  the  ravages  of  Fire,  with 
a  certainty  that,  if  destroyed,  they  will  receive  the  WHOLE 
AMOUNT  INSURED,  without  litigation,  or  unnecessary  delay. 

It  has  become  the  Insurance  Company  for  the  People  of  Illinois, 
— annually  saving  large  sums  of  money  in  the  8tate  that  would 
otherwise  be  taken  out  by  foreign  Companies.  With  all  these  in- 
ducements, who  can  now  afford  to  remain  uninsured  in  the  Illinois 
Mutual  ? 

BOARD   OF   DIRECTORS. 
B.  K.  IIart.  M.  D..  Alton.  I   John  Atwoop,  Esq.,  Alton. 


J.  W.  Schweppe.  Esq.,  Alton. 
Benjamin  F.  Long,  M.  D.,  Monticollo. 

ELIfS  IIlDBARD,   Ehq.,  Alton. 

no.v.  Francis  A.  Hoffmann,  Chicago. 
Lewis  Kei.lenberger,  Eeq.,  Alton. 
M.  G.  Atwood,  Esq..  Alton. 


Hon.  Samuel  Wade.  Alton. 
Hon.  H.  W.  Billings.  Alton. 
.Tons  James,  M.  D.,  Upper  Alton. 
Timotiit  Turner,  E«j..  Monticello. 
Hon.  Lyman  Trumbull.  Alton. 
Hon.  Robert  Smith.  Alton. 
Henry  Lea,  E«q.,  Alton. 

Benjamin  F.  Lono,  President.  I    >f.  O.  Arwoop,  Secretary. 

L.  Kelllnblrger,  Treasurer.  |    Joun  Atwood.  A^istnnt  Secretary. 

JOHN  BLAISDELL,   General  Agent. 
A.  C.  Hankinson,  Assistant  General  Agent. 

Agrati  li.ive  been  appointed  in  every  County,  mid  io  ill   the  principal  Cities  and 
Town*  m  the  State,  to  whom  application  f"i  IiiMiranc  may  he  made. 


ALTON    COURIER 

STEAM 

100ft  ana  Job  fjtmtrag  #§«, 

STATE  STREET,   OPPOSITE  THIRD. 


THE  LARGEST  A\D  BEST 
ESTABLISHMENT IX  THE 
WEST! 

BOOKS,  PERIODICALS, 

)•  VMl'III.ETS, 

BILLS  OF  LADING, 
CIRCULARS. 

PO  8TER8, 

Ami  cvi  rv  description  of 

BLANK  WORK, 
Printed  in  a  superior  manner, 
;md  in  the  shortest  possible  time. 


TVi-  rirenuw  constantly  running 
three  uf  I!.  Hoe  &  Co.'h  justly 
cMfbmtHd  Cylinder  Presses  ; 
also,  one  of  GORDON'S 

FIRE-FLY  CARD  PRESSES, 

Which   Feeds.   Prints,  Cuts,  and 
Counts  its  Cards  at  tlie  Rate  of 

10,000  PER  HOUR! 

AT  PHICE3  VARYING  FROM 

$1  25  to  $7  50 

PER  THOUSAND. 


All  description1  of 

COMMERCIAL    AND   LEGAL    BLANKS, 


Constantly  on  hand  and  for  sale. 


Orders  respectfully  solicited,  and  promptly  attended  to. 


